(Press File Photo by Geoffrey Plant)
Forest Service personnel light the Elks Pasture prescribed burn in June 2019 in the Gila National Forest. If passed, a bill making its way through the state Legislature would enable landowners to conduct more prescribed burns on private property. “We need to use fire where we can to manage our resources and help protect communities,” said Punky Moore, fire communications specialist for the Southwestern Region of the Forest Service. “Proper coordination and communication could lead to a comprehensive approach to treat the landscape. In many places the fuel condition is similar on both sides of the fence and working with local landowners would benefit both parties.”