As many of you know, on May 20th, I decided to pause prescribed fire activities nationwide pending a 90-day program review of protocols, decision support tools and practices ahead of planned operations this fall. The interagency review team, led by Steve Lohr, Rocky Mountain Region director of Renewable Resources, and Bill Avey, retired forest supervisor and acting national director for Fire and Aviation Management, has completed its work and submitted the report to my office within the 90-day timeframe, as I asked. 

I thank Steve and Bill for their leadership and the experts from across the wildland fire and research communities for taking the time to participate in this important effort. The team has done a fantastic job, and I greatly appreciate their thorough and efficient work. 

I am reviewing the report now and will share the findings and recommendations with leadership at USDA, including the Under Secretary and the Secretary, over the next several weeks. I aim to make final decisions after these important steps and share my decisions and the final report with you and the public in early September.  

I look forward to the improvements we will make based on this review. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this process so we can ensure you have the resources, tools and support you need to carry out the important work we do and to strengthen public confidence and understanding in our prescribed fire activities.

The Forest Service is home to hard-working, dedicated employees. As always, you continue to do your best work with the tools you have available. And you do so while facing unexpected challenges. Please know that each of you has my deepest respect, as well as my full support.

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