Will increased logging help ease southern Utah's wildfire crisis or exacerbate the issue?

ST. GEORGE — The Trump administration aims to increase lumber production in the U.S. and simultaneously reduce wildfire risk on federal lands across the country, including Dixie National Forest. However, some are concerned the president's decision could make matters worse.

On March 1, President Donald Trump signed an executive order, the Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production, to streamline permitting processes. It directs the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to use the Endangered Species Act's emergency regulations to the maximum extent possible to "facilitate the nation's timber production."

The order states that timber production is critical to national well-being.

"Timber production is essential for crucial human activities like construction and energy production," according to the order. "Furthermore, as recent disasters demonstrate, forest management and wildfire risk reduction projects can save American lives and communities."

Read the full article at St. George News here.

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