Berget concerned about cuts on firefighting

Lincoln County Presiding Commissioner Tony Berget knew he would have Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Paul Bradford’s ear during a recent meeting, and he wasted no time in asking about the effects of sequestration on the county’s woodlands.

“So, how does the sequestration affect the ability to fight fires?” Berget asked Bradford during his monthly meeting with commissioners.

“No U.S. Forest Service (personnel) are authorized to talk on sequestration. We have been instructed to tell them to talk to the national office,” Bradford said, producing a photocopy of an e-mail that supported his statement.

“Hello again. Per the latest request from the USDA, when you get a call or media call on sequestration, please enter the (information) below ... They will be issued the same statement,” read the e-mail dated Feb. 26, from Lawrence Chambers, media relations officer for the USFS.

While the July and August fire season is months away, Berget admitted he is nonetheless concerned.

“We just want to know what all this is going to entail,” Berget said. “We’re surrounded by national forest, and if this will adversely affect firefighting and our residents, we need to know.”

Meanwhile CNN reported Monday that Yellowstone National Park is delaying its opening because of across-the-board federal budget cuts that went into effect Friday as a result of sequestration.

Pushing back the park’s opening and reducing operating hours could cost Yellowstone up to $1.7 million.

Businesses in communities around Yellowstone said they will also feel the pinch.

Also reportedly affected will be the frequency of trash pick up at the nation’s 59 national parks.

The National Mall and the Statue of Liberty will also have to deal with less operating money.

Nearly 279 billion people visit national parks each year.