native plants; fire prevention; exemption

HB 2577 exempts wildfire prevention, management, and suppression activities by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management from standard requirements protecting native plants. Specifically, it removes the need for 60-day written notice, consultation on highly safeguarded plants, or permit processes when the state forester acts to prevent or suppress wildfires under Section 37-1303. The bill also exempts routine maintenance (like canal upkeep) from these plant protection rules. This change streamlines wildfire response without altering protections for native plants during non-emergency state agency activities.