Drought a key concern during governors’ meeting

Erin Neff

Monday, Dec. 9, 2002 | 9:55 a.m.

Most politicians are spending the bulk of their time trying to fix deficits and worrying about Iraq, but several Western governors ended a two-day meeting in Clark County on Friday with an eye toward the weather.

Western Governors' Association Chairman Gov. Judy Martz of Montana identified drought and forest health as issues the region must take seriously or suffer the consequences of raging summer wildfires that drain states' resources.

"We have to remain vigilant to make sure that plans we have identified for protecting our forests are implemented and extended where they need to be," Martz said.

As of October nearly 7 million acres of forest burned this year in Western states, making the current year almost as devastating as 2000's 8 million scorched acres.

The governors who took part in Friday's strategic policy session agreed to continue to work on ways to reduce the risk of fire that has grown due, in part, to a generation worth of fire suppression efforts that stopped wildfires from thinning certain forest areas.

Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer said all stakeholders in the West's forests and open spaces should work to protect them.

"Forest health is not to be taken lightly," Geringer said. "It has a direct impact on the economy through our tourism."

Next summer the Western Governors' Association plans a forest health summit in which state representatives will meet with the U.S. Forest Service, the Interior Department and environmental groups, among others, to continue to examine ways to reduce the risk of wildland fires.

In other action Friday the governors agreed to establish common standards for emergency communications in the wake of terrorist attacks or other emergencies.

The recommendation was borne out of Thursday's session at Caesars Palace in which governors and their staffs discussed critical infrastructure needs they have in protecting residents.

The governors also focused on the economy, with Gov. Kenny Guinn encouraging public-private partnerships to promote the West and its tourist attractions.

"Tourism is a major driver of the economy in not just Nevada, but in all Western states," Guinn said.

Eight governors and one governor-elect attended the WGA winter meeting held at the Green Valley Ranch resort in Henderson.