Other internal challenges to accomplishment of hazard fuel reduction goals include maintenance and development of skills, training, personnel and contracting authorities to support adequately the program. Summary Clearly, the challenges we face in improving forest health and reducing fire risk are great. By restoring fire to its natural role in ecosystems, we can improve the health of our nation's forests while, at the same time, reducing their susceptibility to catastrophic fire. Through improved collaboration among cooperating federal agencies and State and local entities we can maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our fuels treatment and fire fighting efforts insuring that resources are better utilized. We cannot lose sight of the fact that the current situation developed over many decades.
Any solution requires significant time and commitment.
The Chief is changing accountability within the agency to assure that the performance measures of District Rangers and Forest Supervisors are directly related to the conditions of the forests they manage. We believe that we have the ability and capability to move towards improved forest health and reduced fire risk in critical areas of concern to the public. Thank you, Madam Chairman, and I welcome any questions the Subcommittee may have.