NASF, working with an exceptionally broad representation of conservation, recreation, retired agency personnel, sportsmen, timber, and wildlife groups (97 in total) – calling themselves the Fire Suppression Funding Solutions Partner Caucus- submitted a coalition letter requesting $400 million in emergency supplemental funding be directed to the US Forest Service FLAME account for 2012, or provide reimbursement options that recover transferred funds from non-fire programs. The letter also requested that 2013 appropriations are adjusted in the continuing resolution so that wildfire suppression is at the 10-year average.
The federal accounts that fund 2012 wildfire activities for the U.S. Forest Service ran dry this month, leaving the agencies to remove funding from other important programs to cover wildfire costs. (The Federal continuing resolution budget passed includes vitally needed funds for firefighting.)
The USDA Forest Service wildfire accounts were not sufficiently funded in the current FY 2012, including suppression and the reserve account established under the FLAME (Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement) Act of 2009.