Rep. Breese Iverson: Solution for Federal lands Wildfires

By Representative Vikki Breese Iverson
April 4, 2025

The House Committee on Climate heard House Bill 3846. The bill creates a pilot program that allows the Oregon Department of Forestry to enter into a lease agreement with the federal government to manage the Ochoco National Forest.

“The overarching fact in Oregon around federal lands is very clear; Federal government has mismanaged our forests causing major wildfires, roads being locked up and lost recreational opportunities that destroy local economies. Simply put, they have lost their way; and therefore have lost the right to manage our forests” said Rep. Breese Iverson (R-Prineville)

House Bill 3846 only has until April 9th to move forward this legislative session before falling victim to the first chamber deadline.

“Too many of our megafires are starting on federal land and burning up our rural communities. If we can manage the forests, we will get control of the fires. We cannot afford them, nor should we have to.”

Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson represents House District 59 which includes Crook County and parts of Deschutes and Jefferson counties.