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Rangeland fire protection groups describe volunteer firefighting role, limits on federal cooperation
Summary
Representatives of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee that volunteer RFPAs provide crucial initial attack and assets but face limits working on Forest Service land and need better interagency memoranda and funding support.
Mike Gary, chairman of the 3 Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association, told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee that his RFPA and neighboring groups cover large swaths of rangeland and work closely with Bureau of Land Management firefighters but often lack formal standing with the U.S. Forest Service.
"We cover approximately a million and a half acres," Gary said, describing the Jarbidge resource area and partnership work with the Twin Falls and Boise BLM districts. Gary credited his RFPA's partnership with BLM fuels crews and said the groups supply trained personnel, engines, water tenders, dozers and other assets for initial and extended attack.
Gary and…
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