Sen. Hawkins Working on Bill for Proactive Forest Control

12th District State Senator Brad Hawkins is working on a bill that would allow a more proactive approach to forest management by utility companies.

The Republican says it would require the DNR to keep a task force that provides recommendations on preventative measures.

"If we invest a little bit on the front end, we could save, all of us, not only a massive amount of money revenue wise, but also reduce our risk of catastrophic wildfire which is a very important thing."

DNR would also report to the legislature on what they are doing, and what still needs to be done.

Hawkins says the Legislature created a task force a couple of years ago.

"To help coordinate communication protocols and agreements about removing hazardous trees and other really important things related to minimizing the risk of wildfire."

That task force offered some recommendations and his bill would ensure the implementation of those suggestions.