Leavenworth City Council debates resolution to address Forest Service needs

The Leavenworth City Council is currently deliberating a resolution that would oppose federal actions affecting local Forest Service land and Wilderness Areas. This discussion follows the reinstatement of thousands of federal employees who were previously fired, with ongoing legal challenges complicating the situation. Mayor Carl Florea emphasized the dynamic nature of the issue, while the council's draft resolution highlights the need for effective management of highly trafficked Wilderness Areas and the protection of local water supplies. Councilmember Zeke Reister motioned for a vote to refine the resolution, indicating a desire for more explicit language regarding the implications of frozen fire prevention funding. A significant $9.

275 million Community Wildfire Defense grant is currently on hold due to a federal funding freeze. Public comments reflected community support for the resolution, with suggestions for increased specificity to enhance its impact. Ultimately, the council voted to postpone the resolution to incorporate amendments and address local needs more directly. This proactive approach aims to ensure the resolution effectively communicates the urgency of the community's concerns to federal representatives.