Republicans Hold Committee's First Outdoor Field Hearing in Yosemite National Park to Discuss Wildfires, Forest Management

Press Release

"Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Half Dome, it was clear to see why our national parks are the Crown Jewels of America. Millions of people travel from all over the world every year to recreate in the spaces we are privileged enough to call home. Unfortunately, these national treasures face an increased threat of catastrophic wildfires every year. More than a century of fire suppression and mismanagement has turned our federal forests into powder kegs waiting for a single spark to ignite. Perhaps nothing exemplifies our wildfire crisis and the threat to an iconic species more than the loss of 20 percent of the world's Giant Sequoias in just two short years. Just last year, the Mariposa Grove, which we toured this week, was threatened by fire. Firefighters and land managers alike both credited prior treatments such as thinning and prescribed burning as saving the grove. These are the kinds of proactive solutions we must apply to every American forest, and the hearing gave us insight into crafting a path forward. It was an honor to lead this historic outdoor hearing. I know it won't be the last as Republicans continue the fight to conserve our resources so future generations can enjoy the great outdoors as well."

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