Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - December 13, 2007)

By Mr. BARRASSO:

S. 2468. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Forest Service) to enter into a cooperative agreement with the State of Wyoming to allow the State of Wyoming to conduct certain forest and watershed restoration services, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Mr. BARRASSO. I am proud to introduce the Wyoming Forest and Watershed Restoration Act of 2007. This legislation authorizes cooperative action between the U.S. Forest Service and the State of Wyoming to complete forest health projects on private, State and Federal lands.

Almost half of Wyoming's lands are controlled by Federal agencies. We have over 9 million acres of National Forest lands in Wyoming, including seven National Forests. Our State has a long history of forestry, grazing and multiple use of public lands. Recreation and tourism on our public lands is a pillar of our economy. The people of Wyoming are stewards of our public lands and our State depends on the public lands for our future.

It is my goal to enact common-sense policies that address the needs of Wyoming and sustainable management of our Federal lands. Our forests, like those of all States across the West, are facing management challenges. We have an opportunity to set policies that will encourage forest health.

We face an urgent problem with bark beetle infestation. Forests between Interstate 70 in Colorado and Interstate 80 in Wyoming are being killed by these beetles. We have thousands upon thousands of acres that are dying. On the Medicine-Bow Forest, for instance, over 75,000 acres of trees are infected by bark beetles. Forest Service analysis shows the epidemic could grow to 350,000 acres and cover approximately 1/3 of the forest in the next few years.

We can stem the spread of this infestation and save our forests, with quick action on thousands of acres. That kind of response will take coordinated management among all partners private, State, and Federal. Preventing forest fires, addressing watershed health and conserving wildlife habitat require the same ``big picture'' thinking. We have to address threats like bark beetles by taking on forest health projects on a landscape level.

Resource issues don't stop at fencelines, and neither should our policy.

The Wyoming Forest and Watershed Restoration Act of 2007 would set in place a comprehensive management policy. This act would allow the State of Wyoming to go forward with forest health projects as agreed to by the Forest Service. The agencies can cooperatively pursue projects that address our landscape needs. Private, State, and Federal lands can get the on-the-ground management they desperately need.

I am pleased to introduce this legislation today. It is of great importance to the people of Wyoming. I hope my colleagues will proceed quickly with its passage to enhance our State's response to the growing forest health problems. The people of Wyoming demand on-the-ground results. This legislation can deliver those results. I hope we can pass it expediently.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

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