IDAHO – Idaho Senator Jim Risch has introduced a wildfire prevention bill aimed at reducing the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires in the west by empowering land managers with cutting-edge technology to target large scale treatments in the highest risk areas. The Forest Improvements through Research and Emergency Stewardship for Healthy Ecosystem Development and Sustainability (FIRESHEDS) Act also aims to restore forest health and better equip local land managers and strengthen state authority by allowing governors to enter into joint agreements with land management agencies to specifically designate fireshed management areas and expedite management projects. …Organizations and businesses supporting the FIRESHEDS Act include: the Idaho Forest Group; the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho; the American Forest Resource Council; the American Forest & Paper Association; the American Property Casualty Insurance Groups; the Hardwood Federation; the American Loggers Association; and the National Association of Counties.