Committee clears bill letting DFFM act without 60‑day native‑plant notice in emergencies and fuel projects

House Bill 2577 would exempt the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and the State Forester from notification requirements to the Department of Agriculture for removal or destruction of native plants when the activities are undertaken to prevent, manage or suppress wildfires.

DFFM legislative liaison Dante Mitchell told the committee the department must balance native‑plant protection with urgent operational needs. “We must find the right balance in order to support our primary goal,” Mitchell said, adding that delays from administrative notification requirements can reduce the effectiveness of wildfire mitigation and suppression.

Mitchell said DFFM employs foresters, ecologists, biologists and regulatory specialists who follow industry best practices and federal law (including the federal Endangered Species Act) when conducting activities that may affect native flora. The bill is designed to avoid operational delays during emergencies and in time‑sensitive fuels work.

Several members asked clarifying questions about which species might be affected; Mitchell said the bill is not targeted at specific plants but cited mesquite as an example of a common native species that may be affected during fuels treatments in some river projects. Representative Pashlikai and Representative Sandoval said they were concerned about clarity and local cultural considerations; both recorded no votes in committee and said they might reconsider on the floor after additional briefing.

Outcome: Committee returned HB2577 with a due-pass recommendation (committee tally 5 ayes, 2 nays, 2 absent).