State forestry agencies administer the Volunteer Fire Assistance program through grants and other assistance to local fire departments for training and equipment. The program's main focus is on rural and urban interface communities that need assistance in meeting both existing and expanded fire suppression responsibilities. The Volunteer Fire Assistance program is another strong cost share program that helps rural firefighters secure the latest training and equipment. Rural communities fight forest fires, and without this program they would not have the appropriate resources. This funding is critical because these communities have seen a significant decline in receipts from national forest and BLM revenue sharing programs.
Resources are scarce in rural America.
Cooperative Fire Protection programs are critical to both forest health and the safety of our communities. We ask the subcommittee to consider strong funding levels for these programs. Addressing the Ecological Infrastructure Backlog Much has been said about the backlog issues associated with the national forests. Whether it is forest health, deteriorating forest roads, endangered species, salmon habitat, recreation facilities, hazardous fuels, or any number of other issues, it is clear that the national forests desperately need attention. The Forest Service must address its ecological infrastructure backlog.