I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and advocate for responsible land and wildlife management in Indiana. I urge you to support House Bill 1557 (HB 1557), a crucial piece of legislation that will significantly improve our state’s land management practices and the health of our wildlife habitats. This bill is currently headed to the House floor, and your support is vital.

HB 1557 is an important step forward for enhancing sustainable land management practices, and it addresses several critical components that will benefit both the environment and local communities. Key provisions of this bill include:

Regulated Prescribed Burns: HB 1557 establishes clear regulations for conducting prescribed burns, which are essential for forest management, wildlife habitat restoration, and reducing vegetative fuel loads to prevent wildfires.
Certified Management: The bill requires a certified prescribed burn manager to oversee all prescribed burns, ensuring that these practices are carried out safely and effectively.
Liability Protections: HB 1557 offers civil liability immunity to certified managers, landowners, and their agents who follow the established guidelines, protecting them from legal consequences.
Exemptions and Nuisance Protections: Prescribed burns conducted in compliance with the bill will be exempt from local burning prohibitions and will not be considered a nuisance, facilitating smoother operations.
Training and Certification: The Division of Forestry will oversee the development of a training and certification program to ensure that prescribed burns are managed by qualified professionals.
Prescribed burning is a critical tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems, reducing the risk of large-scale wildfires, and improving wildlife habitats. Supporting HB 1557 will ensure that these essential practices are carried out in a safe, efficient, and effective manner, benefiting both our environment and communities across Indiana.

I kindly ask for your support of HB 1557 and encourage you to advocate for its passage. This bill will help ensure that land management practices are done responsibly and that we protect both our natural resources and local communities.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your support of HB 1557 and a healthier, more sustainable Indiana.