Firefighting now takes 47 percent of its budget, compared to just 13 percent in the early 1990s, and that is clearly, Chief, as you know, not sustainable.

full support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is as important as ever.

The changing climate is making this type of fire more likely.

submitted comment on behalf of David Sanchez, Vice President, Northern New Mexico Stockmen's Association.

The disaster cap proposal included in the budget is an opportunity to both stop the borrowing and, at the same time, dedicate funding to restore our forests.

I commend the Forest Service for their efforts to fight these fires and to repair the damage.

We can't keep borrowing, though, on this Forest Service situation, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.

We really appreciate the Forest Service and the National Park Service working together to make sure that there is a seamless transition there.

Will you commit to work with the land grant heirs in New Mexico to provide reasonable access and consultation on land management decisions?

I think it is very important, I hope you pass the message back to Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Jewell, that they work with the new budget chairs for the House and the Senate.

we can't give up.

I have an expectation that they fulfill that obligation to protect clean water.

opening statement

I am really excited... about having this first hearing in this Subcommittee.

Thank you, Chairman Thompson, and Ranking Member Lujan Grisham.

Thank you, Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Lujan Grisham, and Members of the Subcommittee for the opportunity to provide testimony this morning.

I really appreciate that because--and that is not to minimize that you identified significant issues with the current proposed rule, but that getting to a place where all of the stakeholders are clarifying responsibilities and…

the Waters of the U.S., has to be addressed at some form and fashion.