Fix Our Forests Act Advances in Congress, Spotlighting the Growing Wildfire Risk to Forests and Communities, But Further Improvements Needed

WASHINGTON (January 28, 2025) – Wildfire is a growing risk and every year it consumes millions of acres of forests and grasslands, devastating communities, local businesses, and the natural resources that wildlife and people depend on. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471), introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), in recognition of the need for comprehensive policy and guidance for managing our nation’s forests in a manner that reduces the risk of wildfire to communities, supports vital ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and invests in the agencies that are on the frontlines for managing national forests and landscapes.  

“Every year, we are seeing increasingly significant wildfires impacting lands and communities across the nation, often leaving behind immense devastation,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at the National Audubon Society. ““We are glad to see a commitment to addressing this critically important issue. We look forward to the work ahead to ensure this policy is both comprehensive and responsive to the needs of birds and people across all forest types—from Alaska to Maine and North Carolina to New Mexico.”

“We thank Natural Resources Committee Chair Westerman and Rep. Peters for their work on this timely issue, and we look forward to engaging with Congress to ensure good policy advances that supports our communities,” Stadler said.

About Audubon 
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. 

Media Contact: Jeff Billington, jeff.billington@audubon.org, 240-731-2984