Title: Rep. Stansbury Raises Concerns Over U.S. Forest Service Preparedness Ahead of Wildfire Season
By Hannah Grover
In a recent House Committee on Natural Resources meeting, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, expressed grave concerns regarding the U.S. Forest Service’s readiness for the upcoming wildfire season. Stansbury’s remarks came as the committee discussed the proposed Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025 (HR 528), which aims to prioritize reforestation efforts post-wildfire but does little to bolster immediate fire prevention resources.
Stansbury highlighted how recent federal budget cuts and layoffs have left communities, particularly in drought-stricken New Mexico, at heightened risk. "Thousands of Forest Service workers don’t know if they’re going to have their jobs tomorrow," she noted, emphasizing the fears of those who rely on the federal agency for fire management.
With New Mexico experiencing the lowest snowpack in recorded history, Stansbury warned of a potentially catastrophic fire season, urging for increased resources and personnel. Similar concerns were echoed by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colorado, who pointed out that many laid-off employees held critical certifications for firefighting.
Despite these worries, Forest Service Associate Deputy Chief Ellen Shultzabarger asserted the agency’s preparedness for the wildfire season, claiming ongoing efforts to fill any personnel gaps and maintain operational firefighter levels. "We feel that we’ll be ready for the fire season," she stated.
However, Stansbury disagreed with Shultzabarger’s optimistic outlook, asserting that the current administration is failing to uphold its responsibilities to ensure community safety during this precarious time. As firefighters contend with an ongoing wildfire near Socorro, the urgency for adequate resources remains apparent.
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