01/18/07 Landowner access during wildfires

Washington Ag January 18, 2007 Senator Mark Schoesler, Republican of Ritzville, has introduced legislation giving landowners and operators access to their property during wildfires. Schoesler said his proposal, Senate Bill 5315, is in response to complaints by property owners in Southeastern Washington last year that law enforcement officials would not allow them to enter, or stay on their land, to battle wildfires endangering their buildings and property. Senate Bill 5315 directs the Department of Natural Resources to allow and facilitate access to land during fires to the maximum extent possible, and directs the State Patrol, county officials and city officials to allow and facilitate access to land during fire-related road closures as much as it is feasible. The measure protects government from liability for actions taken, or for inaction. Here is a reminder that the sales closing date for Adjusted Gross Revenue insurance available in Central Washington is quickly approaching. Paul: "That sales closing date is January 31st of 2007 for the 2007 insurance year." Dave Paul of USDA's Risk Management Agency who says the closing date for AGR-Lite is not until March 15th. I'm Bob Hoff.