Northwoods Reporter

The Iron County Republican Party has issued a statement supporting the Iron County Commissioners’ request for urgent federal intervention in response to ongoing wildfires in southern Utah. Recent fires, including the Monroe Canyon Fire and the Deer Creek Fire, have burned thousands of acres, threatened homes, destroyed grazing areas, and put pressure on rural resources.

The party criticized what it describes as longstanding federal mismanagement of public lands. "If federal agencies cannot manage these lands responsibly, we call on them to relinquish control to the State of Utah, where local officials can implement proactive thinning, fuels reduction, and forest health practices without the endless delays of federal red tape," the statement read.

Additionally, the party called on state officials to seek reimbursement from the federal government for wildfire response costs. "Utah taxpayers should not be left footing the bill for the failures of federal land policy," according to their statement.

The committee also advocated for increased cooperation between state and federal authorities to address challenges faced by ranching families displaced by fire damage and what they describe as federal inaction. They emphasized restoring grazing access and protecting Utah’s agricultural economy while urging that management authority over public lands be returned to state control.

"Lastly, we encourage Utah’s congressional delegation to continue pushing for legislation that returns land management authority to the states, where it remains under the stewardship of the American people—not distant bureaucracies, or foreign interests. Empowering state and local leadership will also allow the wildland and wildfire personnel who are already working diligently in our region to carry out their responsibilities more effectively, without unnecessary delays and restrictions from Washington. The current system is costing us too much—economically, ecologically, and culturally."

"The time for action is now," concluded the Iron County Republican Party Executive Committee.

Upcoming events include a State Convention Training scheduled for May 1, 2025 at American Preparatory Academy and a County Organizing Convention set for March 22, 2025 at Cedar High School Auditorium. The party is also seeking volunteers through an online form.