Bark beetle epidemic tops Cheyenne agenda

“This is a great opportunity for members of Congress to gain on-the-ground knowledge of the challenges Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and forest managers are facing.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, today announced that the committee will be hosting a full Congressional field hearing to review farm and ranchland conservation, forest health, and the bark beetle epidemic. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4 at 8:00 a.m. (MT) at Laramie County Community College, Center for Conferences and Institutes, Centennial Room 130.

 “I am pleased the House Agriculture Committee decided to hold this important hearing, and am particularly grateful that they accepted my invitation to come to Wyoming to discuss the bark beetle epidemic that is ravaging our forests. The heart of Wyoming’s economy is based in natural resources and agriculture. This is a great opportunity for members of Congress to gain on-the-ground knowledge of the challenges Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and forest managers are facing.

“We must work together and find smart solutions that adapt to our changing world. And we must ensure that Washington doesn’t interfere with more red tape and regulations. As a rancher, I fully understand the far-reaching effect the federal government can have on the livelihoods of our ranchers and farmers.

“As Farm Bill negotiations near, I will see to it that Wyoming’s priorities remain at the forefront. We need fair treatment of Wyoming’s producers so that they have every opportunity to successfully compete in a global marketplace. In addition, we must see to it that the Forest Service has every available tool to increase their efforts to mitigate the impact of Bark Beetle on Wyoming’s forests.”

The Committee will hear testimony from two panels. The first panel will focus on forest health and bark beetle. A second panel will focus on farm and ranchland conservation.

The hearing is open to the public.