Bend, Ore. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) engaged with local residents during town halls in Prineville and Sisters on Tuesday, where he discussed pressing issues facing Oregon, from federal funding to wildfire management. With hundreds of concerned citizens in attendance, the senator fielded questions and addressed concerns about the direction of Washington politics and its impact on local communities.
One of the most prominent issues raised by attendees was the state’s federal budget and the need for crucial funding to be reinstated after significant cuts. Longtime Prineville resident Mona Pomraning expressed hope that the senator could advocate for restoring funding that directly supports Oregon, particularly in the areas of forest management and emergency response.
Residents also voiced concerns about the broader political climate, particularly the lack of clear direction from Democrats on key issues. Susie Frankie, a longtime Bend resident, questioned the party’s strategy, asking, “What are the Democrats planning to do? Do they have a plan? Because people aren’t speaking up and expressing their concerns about what is happening.”
Among the major topics discussed was the issue of trans athletes in sports and the federal government’s involvement in these matters. Another pressing concern was the potential impact of layoffs at local Forest Service offices, which have become a significant issue as the region faces increasing wildfire threats.
Wyden, acknowledging the difficult fire season ahead, emphasized the urgency of forest management efforts, particularly given the recent record-breaking wildfire season. “We’re pushing very, very hard because I think it’s going to be another tough fire season,” Wyden stated. “This is the time when, as I talked about with the group, you get a lot of the crucial work done.”
March marks the beginning of the hiring season for seasonal firefighters, and the Forest Service is facing uncertainty due to the Trump administration’s hiring freeze. Wyden highlighted the need for immediate action, noting that the Trump administration’s freeze on hiring federal employees does not specifically address seasonal firefighters, who play a critical role in managing the state’s wildland fire risks.
“They’re trying to get a sense of what the Trump administration is going to come out with policies in this area,” Wyden explained. “But I’m telling people, you can’t afford not to do this because you either come in now when the weather is a little cooler and you clean out the dead and dying material that is so significant when you have a real inferno on your hands. And we’ve got to get it done.”
In February, Wyden, along with Senator Jeff Merkley and 13 other Democratic and independent senators, sent a letter to the Trump administration urging that seasonal firefighters be exempted from the hiring freeze, which does not specifically mention wildland firefighters. The letter emphasized the importance of maintaining a capable workforce as the region prepares for the upcoming fire season.
Oregon experienced a record wildfire season in 2024, with a staggering 1.9 million acres burned, underscoring the necessity for robust wildfire management and prevention strategies. As Wyden continues to push for funding and policy changes to support firefighting efforts, local agencies remain uncertain about how to proceed under the current federal hiring restrictions.
Central Oregon Daily News reached out to local Bureau of Land Management and Department of Forestry agencies for comment, but representatives declined to discuss the matter.
As the region gears up for another challenging fire season, the future of Oregon’s wildfire response hinges on timely decisions about staffing, funding, and federal policies. Wyden’s town hall discussions highlighted the urgent need for action and continued advocacy in Washington to ensure that local communities are adequately prepared for the ongoing threat of wildfires.
