I don’t have to tell anyone reading this that here in the west, wildfires are a fact of life. I’m also sure that most folks are already aware that the climate crisis, combined with more and more homes being built in and around forest lands is creating an escalating cycle of devastation in fire prone communities.

There is a tremendous amount of pressure on politicians and agencies to act, or at least to be seen to be acting, but right now, too many people, including many key decision makers, are looking at the problem backwards.

To talk about the real solutions to protecting communities from wildfires, as well as an exciting piece of legislation making its way through Salem, I’m joined by Ralph Bloemers.  Ralph is the Director of Fire Safe Communities for the Green Oregon Alliance, producer of the award winning wildfire documentary Elemental, and has worked on forest conservation issues for decades. 

He is a wealth of information on wildfires, the right and wrong way to protect communities and homes, and current legislative efforts to address these issues.

You can also email me anytime with feedback, questions, or show ideas at [email protected]

Show Notes:

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/12/23/jeff-golden-preps-proposals-wildfire-preparedness-funding/

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/01/03/oregon-needs-more-money-to-fight-big-wildfires-who-should-pay-for-it/

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/01/10/timber-industry-tied-to-proposal-shifting-wildfire-protection-costs-from-landowners-to-public/

https://www.instagram.com/coastrangeradio/