2023 Western Interstate Region Conference
About the Conference
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
County News
WIR showcases Utah counties
House Natural Resources Committee considers the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025
On March 6, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) introduced the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025, which makes several important changes to the Endangered Species Act and addresses key county concerns.
USFS begins disbursement of revenue sharing payments amid lapse in SRS funding
On April 11, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service began distributing funds to support public schools and roads in counties containing national forest lands.
Resource plans strengthen public lands counties
If the National Center for Public Lands Counties aims to be known as the repository of knowledge and experience learned by veteran county officials, it could do worse than featuring Terry Wolf as a seasoned expert.
Counties search for footing amid federal workforce cuts
Staffing reductions in the federal land management agencies are upsetting the intergovernmental balance in public lands counties.
U.S. House passes bipartisan legislation encouraging active forest management
On January 23, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471), also known as FOFA. Initially introduced by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.), this bipartisan legislation will promote active forest management to curtail the wildfire crisis and protect rural communities, infrastructure and natural resources.