Western Interstate Region
About WIR
The Western Interstate Region is affiliated with the National Association of Counties and is dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo. These interests include public land issues (use and conservation), community stability and economic development, and the promotion of the traditional Western way of life. Its membership consists of fifteen Western states, (Alaska, Hawaii, Wash., Ore., Calif., Idaho, Nev., Ariz., Mont., Wyo., Colo., N.M., Utah, N.D., S.D.) with membership funded through the individual state associations.
National Center for Public Lands Counties
The National Center for Public Lands Counties is dedicated to advancing the policy and practice study of America’s public lands counties. Our mission is to deepen the understanding and address the unique challenges faced by counties containing federal lands through strategic research and collaboration.
Featured Initiative
Payments in Lieu of Taxes Action Center
Mariposa County finds third time’s a charm for WIR
The Western Interstate Region made up for lost time during its conference in Mariposa County, Calif., welcoming the state of Nebraska and addressing pressing issues for public lands counties.
Department of the Interior announces PILT funding total of over $621 million will be distributed to counties
On June 26, the Department of the Interior announced that more than 1,900 state and local governments around the country will receive a total of $621.2 million in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2024.
Outdoor recreation shows viability in public lands counties
There are a lot of people, and a lot of business opportunities, coming into public lands counties for recreation.
NACo testifies on county role in combatting wildfires and forest management at U.S. House Natural Resources Committee hearing
On Friday, August 11, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee held an oversight hearing titled “Conservation in a Crown Jewel: A Discussion About Wildfire and Forest Management.” The hearing investigated the tangible consequences of poor and failed forest management policies and the impacts of catastrophic wildfires.
USFS announces $250 million for wildfire risk reduction efforts
On July 31, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it is accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program.
Related Committees
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WIR Leadership
Hon. Wes McCart
Hon. John Peters
Hon. Dwayne McFall
Hon. John Espy
WIR Contact
