Cuts to Prescribed Fire Program threaten WDFW lands when we need it most

Introduction by Matt Danielson, Colville Forest Manager

In the early 2000s, the American West began experiencing large, unprecedented wildfires energized by a century of fuel accumulated from fire suppression. Understanding a new paradigm shift was needed, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) set an ambitious goal to fund the prescribed burning on its wildlife areas. Under the management of Dale Swedberg, prescribed fire advocate and WPFC founding member, the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area became the first wildlife area in the state to return fire to the land.

Over the course of the next decade, WDFW built its Prescribed Burn Crew to plan and implement burns across thousands of acres of habitat across Washington State. In 2015, prescribed burning in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area helped firefighters hold the line against the Okanogan Complex Fire. 

Despite accomplishing and growing its mission over the last decade, the WDFW Prescribed Burn Crew is at risk of funding due to state budget cuts. The Washington Prescribed Fire Council sent the following letter urging the Director of WDFW, Kelly Susewind, and Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove to restore funding for the entire WDFW Burn Crew.

To learn more about the Prescribed Fire Program, Read this recent Medium piece from the WDFW.