Committee advances Good Neighbor Authority changes to remove hiring cap and speed forest projects
October 11, 2025 | Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, Select Committees & Task Force, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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The Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee reviewed testimony and discussion supporting a bill draft to modify Wyoming’s Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) implementation by removing caps on state positions and allowing broader funding flexibility.
Representative Scott Heiner and Senator Dockstader described recent wildfire responses and forest fuel‑reduction work on the Bridger‑Teton and other forests. Heiner told the committee the Willow Creek fire suppression effort cost about $10,000,000 but that fuel reduction work done beside a highway — “They spent $96,000 on that fuel reduction, and it saved $90,000,000” — demonstrated the cost‑effectiveness of proactive treatments. He said the Forest Service has cleared thousands of acres NEPA‑ready for treatments but lacks capacity to finish projects to sale and bid.
Kelly Norris, State Forester, and Matt Marshall, Assistant State Forester, told the committee that removing statutory caps on GNA employee and contract positions would allow the state to scale up shared stewardship, accelerate sales that combine federal, state, BLM and private lands, and make contracting under state law more responsive than some federal procurement timelines. Norris said the Buffalo amendment already removes the numerical cap in the current draft and that the bill draft before the committee would allow the division to hire the staff needed and to accept a broader mix of funding partners.
Committee members emphasized the opportunity to revive local timber supply chains, complete roadside fuel treatments to protect communities and make longer‑term stewardship commitments. Committee staff confirmed the draft language removes limits on the number of full‑time and at‑will GNA positions the state may employ.
Action: Committee confirmed the draft language removing position caps and signaled intent to advance the bill; committee members and agency witnesses described follow‑up planning and coordination with national forest supervisors.
Ending: Committee adjourned after the GNA discussion; staff will proceed with final drafting steps for the Good Neighbor Authority bill draft.
Representative Scott Heiner and Senator Dockstader described recent wildfire responses and forest fuel‑reduction work on the Bridger‑Teton and other forests. Heiner told the committee the Willow Creek fire suppression effort cost about $10,000,000 but that fuel reduction work done beside a highway — “They spent $96,000 on that fuel reduction, and it saved $90,000,000” — demonstrated the cost‑effectiveness of proactive treatments. He said the Forest Service has cleared thousands of acres NEPA‑ready for treatments but lacks capacity to finish projects to sale and bid.
Kelly Norris, State Forester, and Matt Marshall, Assistant State Forester, told the committee that removing statutory caps on GNA employee and contract positions would allow the state to scale up shared stewardship, accelerate sales that combine federal, state, BLM and private lands, and make contracting under state law more responsive than some federal procurement timelines. Norris said the Buffalo amendment already removes the numerical cap in the current draft and that the bill draft before the committee would allow the division to hire the staff needed and to accept a broader mix of funding partners.
Committee members emphasized the opportunity to revive local timber supply chains, complete roadside fuel treatments to protect communities and make longer‑term stewardship commitments. Committee staff confirmed the draft language removes limits on the number of full‑time and at‑will GNA positions the state may employ.
Action: Committee confirmed the draft language removing position caps and signaled intent to advance the bill; committee members and agency witnesses described follow‑up planning and coordination with national forest supervisors.
Ending: Committee adjourned after the GNA discussion; staff will proceed with final drafting steps for the Good Neighbor Authority bill draft.
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