Some of the most beautiful forest land in our country is being consumed by fire in northeastern Arizona.

Truly, most people think of Arizona as a barren desert, but we DID have some pristine forests in the area that is now being devoured by fire. In addition to the loss of timberland, over three hundred homes and businesses have been lost to the worst fires in Arizona's history.

Fingers have been pointed at the "Tree hugger" policies of the Clinton administration. (Can't imagine why).

Something is wrong though, if those policies cannot not legitimately pointed to as the reason for the great fires, what is the problem? Forest service personnal in Arizona are on record as stating that as the major reason. The radical environmental group are unanamous in blaming anything other than themselves.

The worst drought in our history is largely to blame. No doubt about it. But do federal regulations promoted by radical environmental groups contribute to the terrible fires we are experiencing? I predict that the majority of my Mudcat friends will reply, "No."

DougR