_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT, AND SUPPRESSION COSTS; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

WHEREAS, state and local agencies undertake the costly and heroic effort of preventing, managing, and suppressing wildland fires; and

WHEREAS, wildland fire is a complex problem that involves water storage, forest management, weather patterns, population shifts, new technology, and other factors; and

WHEREAS, Montanans-whether they ranch on our plains or hike in our mountains-feel the impact of the cost of controlling wildfires and the often devastating aftermath.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to:

(1)        explore the costs of wildland fire at state and local levels, including equipment, training, water storage, forest management, other prevention and preparedness efforts, and community recovery;

(2)        make recommendations as to where funding for preventing, managing, and suppressing wildland fire should be expanded or redistributed; and

(3)        explore funding opportunities to mitigate the cost of wildland fires.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.