As wildfires burn out of control across the globe, victims are looking to point the finger of blame. Are wildfires and unhealthy forests causing climate change, or is climate change causing wildfires and weakened forests? Regardless of the cause, the solution is the same. We need healthy forests, and we need them now. Who is responsible for forest health? The answer is: it depends.
Mostly National Forests – Forests across the western half of the United States are predominantly the responsibility of the United States Forest Service. California, Montana and Oregon each have 18 million acres of national forest.
Mostly Local Government-Owned Forests – Northeastern forests are predominantly the responsibility of local governments.
Mostly Privately-Owned Forests – Forests in central and eastern United States, particularly in the South, are predominantly privately owned.
