Lincoln County’s Commission gave support to Gov. Mark Gordon’s executive order, signed Aug. 1, that called for improved forest health across the state and a reduction in wildfire risks through cooperative state and federal working agreements.

The EO provides support for partnership agreements between the Wyoming State Forestry Office, the U.S. Forest Service, BLM and other federal agencies.

Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris, commended the governor for his support of forest management through the EO.

“Wyoming State Forestry fully supports this Executive Order and sees it as a critical step in accelerating meaningful work across all land ownerships to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and support our forest products industry,” Norris said to the Governor and those gathered in the Capitol for the formal signing. “This Executive Order highlights the need for close state, federal, and local coordination.”

Norris also acknowledged the president’s and Department of Agriculture Secretary’s directives on forest production.

“We are aligned with and strongly support President Trump’s EO 14225 and Secretary Rollins’ Secretarial Order 1078-006, which emphasize aggressive active forest management and fire mitigation.”

Norris reported a good working relationships with both the U.S. Forest Service and BLM and noted the Good Neighbor Authority as part of the successful  cooperation between the state and federal agencies.

The Good Neighbor Authority allows the USDA Forest Service to enter into agreements with state forestry agencies to conduct the management of the forests.

“We are expanding the use of the Good Neighbor Authority as our central tool to increase the pace and scale of forest management across federal lands,” Norris reported. “State Forestry currently has 43 Good Neighbor Authority contracts either planned or in progress for 2025. These timber sales will treat about 25,000 acres.”

That work will include the sales, along with thinning projects, aspen enhancement and NEPA surveys.

Lincoln County Commissioner Mel Shumway emphasized the importance of the Good Neighbor Authority projects.

“With the [executive order]  from the governor it will help Wyoming State Forestry keep products moving forward,” he said. “Coming off the worst wildfire season last year it is imperative that the state has clear directions to ensure the health and safety for our forests. This also shores up our ‘Good Neighbor Authority’ with the USFS.”

Commissioners Teri Bowers and Kent Connelly also acknowledged the governor’s directive.

“This resolution is absolutely necessary to try to achieve a healthy forest and prevent all the state’s forests from burning  down and destroying homes and our ability to use the public lands,” Connelly offered.

Bowers added, “It is essential to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The health of our forest has declined due to reductions in forest management, drought conditions and insect and disease outbreaks.”

Lincoln County Statement

Lincoln County Commission Chief of Staff, Steven Allen attended the governor’s signing and provided a formal statement on behalf of the commission.

“The Lincoln County Commission appreciates and acknowledges the support and hard work of Governor Mark Gordon, his staff, and Kelly Norris, the Wyoming State Forester, in addressing multiple use and the sustainable yield of our forests.

“The importance of recognizing that there are no single management prescriptions or definitions applying equally to any forest throughout the National Forest System is critical to maximizing the use and optimizing the value of the National Forests in Wyoming while creating long term sustainability for future generations.

“The support of old growth management, timber sales, grazing leases, multi-use trail development, all forms of recreation, minimizing wilderness areas, and the removal of road-less rules has been critical to maintaining vibrant and healthy forests all the while providing for strong industries that support surrounding communities.

“The protection of our forests through local forest management and coordination with State, County, and local governments is paramount to decreasing impacts by fire, insect deprivation, and ensuring sustainable use.

“The Lincoln County Commissioners commend Governor Gordon on all his support and remain ever ready to stand with the Governor in supporting healthy use of our forests in Wyoming.”