We, the undersigned, call for the immediate reinstatement and full funding of U.S. Forest Service personnel and resources in wildfire-prone regions, including Lake Tahoe and other high-risk areas. The recent budget cuts and downsizing of federal forest management teams have left vast stretches of public land vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires, endangering lives, property, and ecosystems.

Why This Matters:

Increased Wildfire Threat – The absence of adequate Forest Service staff reduces crucial wildfire mitigation efforts such as controlled burns, forest thinning, and emergency response coordination. With climate change accelerating the frequency and severity of wildfires, we cannot afford to scale back protective measures.
Protection of Communities and Infrastructure – Many communities depend on the Forest Service for fire prevention, evacuation planning, and rapid emergency response. Without these services, homes, businesses, and entire towns face increased fire risks and potential devastation.
Environmental Stewardship – The U.S. Forest Service plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity, maintaining healthy forests, and managing public lands responsibly. Inadequate staffing leads to neglected forests, deadfall accumulation, and worsened fire conditions.
Economic Impact – Wildfires cause billions in damage, destroy tourism economies, and burden taxpayers with costly recovery efforts. Preventative management is far more cost-effective than post-disaster recovery.
Our Demands:

Fully reinstate funding and staffing levels for the U.S. Forest Service in high-risk wildfire areas.
Prioritize wildfire prevention efforts by increasing prescribed burns, forest thinning, and fuel reduction projects.
Improve interagency coordination to enhance emergency response capabilities and community preparedness.
Ensure long-term investment in climate resilience strategies to protect forests and communities from escalating fire threats.
The neglect of our national forests is a direct threat to public safety, the environment, and local economies. We urge lawmakers and federal agencies to take immediate action before another preventable disaster strikes.

Sign this petition to demand the reinstatement of the U.S. Forest Service in wildfire-prone areas. Protect our forests. Protect our communities. Act now!