Candidates Offer Competing Approaches to Forest Management After Devastating Wildfires

Both candidates acknowledged recent, severe wildfire seasons in the 3rd District and proposed management reforms. Celeste Malloy argued for treating forests as economic assets, expanding timber harvest to reduce fuel loads and create rural jobs: "We need to manage our forests like they are an asset to The United States Of America."

Kent Udell agreed that forest management is necessary but cautioned against cutting all trees, advocating for selective logging, grazing and scientifically informed work to maintain healthy forests and avoid catastrophic outcomes. Both said they support federal actions the candidates characterize as enabling active management and community resilience.