Bruce Westerman: “If we are allowing management in an area, then, by definition, it shouldn't be a wilderness area. If our plan is to put…”

“If we are allowing management in an area, then, by definition, it shouldn't be a wilderness area. If our plan is to put the fire out when it starts and it could possibly do damage to property or life, that is not a very good plan. We shouldn't be putting areas into wilderness that is close to wildland-urban interfaces, that is close to where people live, and taking management completely off the table. I have wilderness areas in my district and in my State, and they are managed as wilderness areas, which means they are not managed at all. Again, this is common sense. Listen to the experts. If this area is not suitable to be in a wilderness area, we shouldn't be designating it a wilderness area. I encourage my colleagues to vote for this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”