[20060403]RS21544_野火保护基金.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21544Updated April 3, 2006Wildfire Protection FundingRoss W. GorteSpecialist in Natural Resources PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryRecent severe fire seasons have prompted a significant rise in funding for wildfireprotection; wildfire appropriations in FY2006 were more than $2.5 billion. Most of thefunds ($2.4 billion in FY2006) are to protect federal lands, with funds for reducing fuelloads, for equipment and training, for fighting fires, and for restoring burned sites.Federal funding ($102 million in FY2006) also supports state efforts to protectnonfederal lands. Some wildfire funding ($69 million in FY2006) is used for fireresearch, fire facilities, and programs to improve forest health. Congress continues todebate wildfire funding levels, with a growing focus on the cost of wildfire suppression.This report will be updated annually to reflect changes in wildfire funding. Recent severe fire seasons have prompted substantial debate and proposals relatedto fire protection programs and funding. The severe 2000 fires led President Clinton topropos