WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) is making progress in his attempt to protect Crooked River Ranch from a wildfire. The community northwest of Terrebonne is home to about 5,500 people, and it's at high risk due to its location next to a protected wilderness area. 

Congressman Walden says, "What we’re trying to do here is to move a government boundary back just a little bit, so the teams can get in and thin out excess fuels." The Crooked River Ranch Fire Protection Act would allow thinning in the area, especially of overstocked stands of juniper. He says that will "Allow active management and hopefully prevent fire from getting away should it strike in that area." 

Local fire officials and first responders support the Act, which passed the House Natural Resources Committee and now moves to the full House.