Forest Service boss slams arrest of worker in planned burn

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The head of the U.S. Forest Service has denounced an Oregon sheriff’s arrest of a Forest Service employee after a planned burn in a national forest sprawling on private land.

Forest Service Chief Randy Moore’s criticism was followed by a statement from Grant County District Attorney Jim Carpenter in which he defended the Oct. 19 arrest of a « fire chief » from the US Forest Service over allegations of reckless burning.

« I respect the sheriff’s discretion and her decision to make an arrest in this case, » Carpenter said Tuesday. Sheriff Todd McKinley occasionally briefs Carpenter on an investigation into the case, the prosecutor said, adding that it could take weeks or even months.

Once completed, « a decision will be made as to whether or not a charge will be filed, » Carpenter said.

Burn Boss Rick Snodgrass told local newspaper Blue Mountain Eagle that his arrest by McKinley disrupted the chain of command while the Forest Service team carried out the prescribed burn in the Malheur National Forest. Snodgrass was taken to Canyon City County Jail, where he was conditionally released.

“Other people were able to take over, thankfully, who were well trained,” Snodgrass said. « He not only endangered my guys there, their safety, but he endangered this land, and all of Bear Valley. »

Prescribed burns are done intentionally and under carefully controlled conditions to remove underbrush, pine beds, and other surface fuels that make forests more prone to wildfires.

McKinley said the directed fire burned about 20 acres (8 hectares) of Holliday family land before it was brought under control. But Chad Holliday estimated nearly 40 acres (16 hectares) of the family property had been burned.

In a message, sent Monday to all of the more than 25,000 U.S. Forest Service employees, Moore said he would « not sit idly by without fully defending the Burn Boss and all employees performing their official duties as federal employees ».

« In my opinion, this arrest was highly inappropriate in these circumstances, » Moore said on the agency’s website.

The arrest underscored simmering tensions over the management of federal lands in rural, conservative eastern Oregon.

In 2016, right-wing activists staged an armed takeover of a federal wildlife refuge in adjacent Harney County to protest the treatment of ranchers Steven Hammond and his father, Dwight, who were both convicted of arson for setting fire to federal range lands and sending to prison. They were released early after being pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Carpenter warned that Snodgrass’ federal job « will not protect him if it is determined he acted recklessly, » adding that it could raise the standard he will be held to.

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This story has been corrected to change the name of US Forest Service « burn boss » Randy to Rick.

Andrew Selsky, The Associated Press