Jim Hurst epitomized all that was good and decent and honorable about a vanishing breed of men who owned and operated small sawmills in hundreds of remote western towns.

Public concern always peaks in September – the worst fire month of the year – and it vanishes the moment the smoke gives way to sunny fall skies. Lost lives, homes, and towns are forgotten.

Fixing the environmental crisis that has unfolded in the West over the last 30 years should not be a partisan issue.

“The time has come for society to consider alternatives to fires so large that they escape suppression efforts, often with deadly consequences. If we don’t like the fire trajectory we are on – and I don’t – shouldn’t we try something different?

“What do you want from your forest?” The first question Wes always asked when posed with a forestry question.

“On a scale of one to 10, how well do you think the Forest Service is prepared for what is predicted to be a bad wildfire season made worse by COVID-19?”

Sign the attached electronic petition urging Congress to grant the Forest Service the regulatory authorities it needs to treat diseased and dying national forests before wildfires destroy them.

Paul Hessburg, fire and landscape ecologist, addresses his concerns regarding the confusion that persists surrounding the use and meaning of “managed wildfire.”

“Just imagine it,” Sheley wrote of his yesteryears… “Constant attack from ground and air. Most wildfires could be quickly extinguished for a fraction of today’s cost. Lives and property saved, and forests protected. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?”

Frank Carroll, a Colorado forester and wildfire expert, speaks with Evergreen founder, Jim Petersen, concerning managed fire and his assessment of Petersen’s book “First, put out the Fire!”