Monday, September 15, 2008
Woman who started wildfire says it was symbolic The former U.S. Forest Service employee who started the worst wildfire in Colorado's recorded history testified Friday she burned the letter blamed for igniting the blaze as a "symbolic gesture" of her failing marriage. Terry Lynn Barton took the stand in a lawsuit brought by insurance companies that want the federal government to cover about $7 million they paid out in claims from the 2002 Hayman fire. The companies argued the federal government is at fault because of Barton failed in her responsibility to extinguish the blaze before it spread. Barton was working as a fire spotter for the Forest Service. Barton pleaded guilty to state and federal arson charges and served six years in prison. She was released in June. She testified the letter she burned in a campground was from her estranged husband, apologizing and asking to stay with her. But an attorney for the government said Friday that Barton previously claimed her husband's letter told her "she was Satan and breaking the family up."....
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Ok so not all agencies may have the expertise but let me tell you after 20 years with the Fish and Wildlife Service I can assure you that the federal agency I work for will make the right calls. I have had more of an affect working for this federal agency than the Service. I have been able to change things at the ground level before it even goes to the Service. As for agency mandates...the ESA section 7 regulations states that all federal agencies are responsible for the conservation and recovery of listed species. So what's the problem? I know change is scary but trust me the federal action agencies know more about their action and its impacts than the Service will ever know. I have been on both sides. And to call the Service independent is not a true statement. Many in the Service have their own agenda.
Thanks for giving us the perspective of one on the "inside". It is appreciated.
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