08/07/07 States look to co-op during wildfires

They've all seen the destructive fires in their own states, especially this summer. Look for the governors of Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah to sign a memorandum within the next two weeks outlining their commitments to aid one another in time of wildfires. HUNTSMAN "And that is to make sure there is a seamless ability on behalf of the four states involved to respond to fires where we can share and pool resources." Utah Governor Jon Huntsman says the second part of their agreement deals with restoration of burned land. HUNTSMAN "To replant and define seed or species types that are more fire resistant, fire retardant than what we have dealt with in the past where with cheat grass you see fire year in and year out. That is totally unacceptable." Nevada's Jim Gibbons says they have obstacles ahead but opportunities too. GIBBONS "It's more than just burning grass out there. Its an economy that's at risk. Its state resources that are at risk. It's an environment that is at risk. We have decided as the states that together we can accomplish far more than we can individually as single states alone." Governor Butch Otter said at the Boise meeting yesterday that he hopes to have a plan in place by September first on a pilot project. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott