President Trump Orders Expansion of American Timber Production

President Trump issues new Executive Order:

Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production

Policy Paper: Enhancing Wildfire Response and Forest Management Through Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs)

By Viki Purdy County Commissioner of Adams County

Abstract

Wildfires have become an increasingly severe and costly issue in Idaho, with nearly one million acres of federal land burned in 2024 alone. Current federal forest management policies have proven ineffective in mitigating these disasters, leading to extensive economic losses, environmental degradation, and public health risks due to prolonged exposure to smoke. The reliance on a “let it burn” approach and the exclusion of local, well-trained Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) from fire suppression efforts on U.S. Forest Service land exacerbates the crisis. This paper outlines the urgent need to reform federal policies to allow RFPAs to actively participate in fire suppression efforts on Forest Service land. Additionally, it calls for the removal of restrictive Categorical Exclusion (CE) salvage logging limits that prevent the timely recovery of burned timber. By leveraging the expertise and rapid response capabilities of RFPAs, Idaho can reduce fire suppression costs, protect valuable natural resources, and restore economic stability to rural communities.

I.  Introduction

Wildfires in Idaho devastate local economies, natural resources, and public health. Despite the well-documented economic and environmental consequences, federal agencies continue to resist proven, local solutions. Wildfires destroy grazing lands, kill livestock, ruin timber supplies, and damage watersheds, leading to decades-long recovery periods.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) primarily focus on fire containment rather than suppression, allowing many fires to burn uncontrolled for months. This approach results in multimillion-dollar suppression costs and irreversible damage to the land. The 2024 Lava Fire, for example, burned over 100,000 acres, killing at least 300 cattle and destroying merchantable timber that was ready for transport to local mills.

However, Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs)¹—volunteer firefighting groups formed by local ranchers and landowners—have demonstrated their ability to rapidly contain wildfires, in many instances significantly reducing destruction and costs. RFPAs currently protect 8.9 million acres of state, private, and BLM land but are prohibited from firefighting on Forest Service lands, where wildfires often start. This policy must be reformed to allow RFPA intervention on federally managed lands.

Additionally, federal regulations that restrict post-fire salvage logging to 250 acres per Categorical Exclusion (CE) must be revised. This rule prevents the timely removal of burned timber, causing millions of dollars in losses and hindering reforestation efforts.

This policy paper outlines:

1. The economic, environmental, and health consequences of current wildfire management policies.
2. The effectiveness of RFPAs and why they should be allowed on Forest Service land.
3. The need to eliminate the 250-acre salvage logging limit to expedite land recovery and economic revitalization.

¹ RFPAs are only allowed to operate within theory designated boundaries, or within the boundaries of another existing district under a Mutual Aid Agreement.

II.  The Cost of Federal Fire Mismanagement

A.  Economic Consequences

1. Loss of Grazing Land and Livestock
   • Wildfires destroy hundreds of thousands of acres of grazing land annually, forcing ranchers to purchase costly feed or reduce herd sizes, leading to financial ruin.
   • The 2024 Lava Fire killed at least 300 cattle, with total losses still being calculated.
2. Destruction of Timber Resources
   • The timber industry suffers immensely due to federal wildfire policies.
   • In 2024, the Lava Fire burned thousands of acres of standing and decked timber, causing millions in lost revenue for loggers and sawmills.
   • Salvage logging is heavily restricted by the 250-acre CE rule, preventing rapid recovery of usable wood before it deteriorates.
3. Fire Suppression Costs
   • Federal agencies spend millions of dollars on slow, ineffective fire response.
   • The Wolf Fire (2024) burned 1,154 acres but cost $9.9 million to suppress.
   • Many fires are left smoldering for months, leading to unnecessary resource consumption.

B.  Environmental Consequences

1. Watershed and Soil Damage
   • High-intensity wildfires sterilize soil, making natural recovery extremely slow.
   • Burned watersheds cause erosion, flooding, and water contamination.
2. Wildlife and Habitat Destruction
   • Fires eliminate grazing allotments for cattle and wildlife, forcing landowners off federal lands.
   • Federal policies have led to the closure of 40% of Idaho’s motorized trails, reducing access for recreation and conservation efforts.
3. Air Quality and Public Health
   • Prolonged fires produce dangerous smoke that causes respiratory illnesses in rural communities.
   • The “let it burn” policy contributes to an annual public health crisis.

III.  The Solution: Empowering Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs)

A.  History and Effectiveness of RFPAs

• Formed in 2011 after the Blair Creek Fire burned 40,000 acres due to federal inaction.
• 10 RFPAs with 400 members currently protect 8.9 million acres of state, private, and BLM land.
• RFPA members are trained, equipped, and insured, yet federal agencies generally refuse to allow them to fight fires on Forest Service land.

B.  Training and Resources

• RFPA members receive annual fire training and work closely with state and BLM fire officials.
• Volunteers use their own equipment, including bulldozers, water trucks, and radios.
• The USDA provides RFPA training grants but paradoxically generally prohibits RFPA action on Forest Service land.

C.  Policy Recommendation: Allow RFPAs on Forest Service Land

• The federal government must authorize RFPA firefighting efforts on National Forest lands.
• Local ranchers understand the terrain and fire behavior better than out-of-state crews.
• RFPA intervention reduces fire size, costs, and destruction by extinguishing fires early.

IV. Removing the 250-Acre Salvage Logging Limit

A.  The Need for Post-Fire Logging

• Salvaging burned timber restores economic value and funds reforestation efforts.
• Current law limits Categorical Exclusions (CEs) for salvage to 250 acres, preventing large-scale recovery.
• This results in millions of board feet of timber left to rot, worsening forest conditions.
• Consider using emergency authorities similar to BIL Section 40807 or those of 36 CFR 261.50 to expedite initiation of salvage operations.

B.  Policy Recommendation: Expand Salvage Logging Categorical Exclusions

• Remove or increase the 250-acre limit to allow for efficient timber recovery.
• Accelerate or waive environmental review timelines for post-fire logging projects.
• Use emergency authorities similar to BIL Section 40807 or those of 36 CFR 261.50 to expedite initiation of salvage operations.
• Reinvest salvage profits into forest restoration and wildfire prevention.

V.  Conclusion

Idaho’s wildfire crisis is not a natural disaster—it is a policy failure. The federal government’s mismanagement has led to avoidable destruction, yet common-sense solutions are ignored.

By allowing RFPAs to fight fires on Forest Service lands and eliminating the restrictive 250-acre CE limit on salvage logging, Idaho can:

• Reduce wildfire destruction
• Cut fire suppression costs
• Restore timber and grazing economies
• Improve forest health

The evidence is clear—local, trained landowners are the best first responders. It’s time for federal agencies to work in partnership with RFPAs and let Idaho’s people protect their own land.

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Sources

1. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL): idl.idaho.gov
2. USDA Forest Service Fire Grants: fs.usda.gov
3. Bureau of Land Management (BLM): blm.gov
4. Idaho Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF): idahofb.org