WY State Forester Kelly Norris testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding federal response to wildfire management, wildland firefighter recruitment and retention
On June 8, 2023, interim Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources regarding the federal response to wildfires, as well as issues in federal wildland firefighter recruitment and retention. Norris was invited by Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) and brought invaluable expertise from her work in Wyoming. She addressed the challenges and complexities of managing multi-jurisdictional wildfires, and underscored the importance of collaboration between Federal, state, tribal and county cooperators.
Norris also spoke about the significance of active forest management practices for protecting lives, homes, forests, and the climate. Her testimony will inform federal policy and future decisions about federal wildfire management, wildland firefighter recruitment and retention, and cross-jurisdictional collaborations.
Click here to view the full hearing.