Federal Wildfire Recovery Funding Reinstated for Wyoming Ranchers

Federal recovery funding for ranchers affected by the House Draw Fire has been officially reinstated, following a temporary suspension that left local landowners uncertain about critical wildfire recovery support, Gillette News Record reports.

On April 2, the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) resumed processing applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a key federal initiative that helps landowners restore and conserve agricultural land impacted by disasters like wildfires.

“We met with producers throughout the fall who were affected by the wildfires, and we want to expedite assistance,” said Jackie Byam, NRCS State Conservationist, in a written statement. “With the demands and urgency of spring grazing upon us, we’re working to meet the needs of those affected by the wildfires through EQIP.”

The agency’s Wyoming office has designated $4 million in EQIP funding for fire recovery on private lands statewide, with the bulk of applicants located in areas impacted by the House Draw Fire. The funding will primarily support landowners in Johnson County, where 18 ranches are expected to receive about $2 million collectively.

The program includes a grazing deferral component, which compensates ranchers for keeping livestock off fire-damaged lands, allowing the natural vegetation and habitat to recover without additional stress from grazing.

The funding had been at risk due to federal policy changes under the previous presidential administration, which affected disbursements tied to the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Local leaders quickly raised concerns about the potential loss of aid for ranchers recovering from the fire.

Johnson County Commission Chairman Bill Novotny led the effort to advocate for the restoration of funds, writing to Wyoming’s congressional delegation multiple times earlier this year. In his initial letter, Novotny warned that if funding was not reinstated by April 1, existing contracts covering nearly 204,000 acres would be canceled.

“I am glad the policy ordeal is over, and the agricultural and conservation assistance has been restored,” Novotny said in an emailed statement. “These hard-working ranch families did not deserve this upheaval.”

Members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation—Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, and Rep. Harriet Hageman—were instrumental in securing the funding’s reinstatement. Hageman confirmed that additional EQIP funds remain available for those who have yet to apply.

“Anyone seeking assistance with the EQIP process can contact their local NRCS office or reach out to my office directly,” Hageman said. “I want everyone to know that my office is here to help.”

With spring grazing season already underway, the restored funding is expected to help both the land and the livelihoods of those affected rebound more quickly. The EQIP support will enable ranchers to take conservation measures that protect both their operations and the surrounding ecosystem.

The NRCS encourages any producers affected by wildfire who have not yet applied to reach out to their local office to explore eligibility and available assistance.