California's Jerry Brown considers easing logging rules to help fight fires
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) is proposing sweeping new legislation that would make it easier for private landowners to cut down trees on their land as the state deals with one of its worst wildfire seasons in years.
Brown's plan, which first was reported by the Mercury News Thursday, would allow landowners living on property of 300 acres or less to cut down trees with up to a 36-inch diameter without a permit. The current regulation ends at 26 inches in diameter.
The idea is to let landowners help thin forests to decrease the spread of fires. Brown's proposal follows Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue's visit to the state last week, where both Cabinet members pushed increased forest management as a way to hinder future fires.
How white of them to consider “letting” people do what they want to protect their land.