The U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are asking for an increase in wildland fire funding for next year. The agencies say this season is barely underway, but is already taking a toll on American land.
The Forest Service is not asking for changes in equipment, but it asking for additional crews and other firefighters, totaling more than 1,600 personnel. They are also asking for a 47% increase for fire preparedness and salaries.
The Department of Interior is asking for an increase in virtually everything, but aircraft numbers, and for a 37% increase for fire preparedness and salaries.
Meanwhile, one Colorado farm is using cattle as part of their wildfire prevention plan.
Sterling Ranch is using its cows to keep fire danger low. A lot of fires in the area begin with unmanaged, open land.
The ranch manager says they move their cattle from pasture to pasture depending on grass growth levels. He says if you manage your grazing right, you should have no problem with fire, and you keep your cattle happy and fed! He calls the plan a win-win for everyone.
Related:
USDA is providing payments to livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfire
USDA, Dept. of Interior have a wildfire plan to help protect agriculture
A Call To Action: Forest Service leaders urge Congress to prioritize wildfire management
Grazing cattle are the best tool to fight wildfires, according to ranching community