Thune Calls on Forest Service to Increase 2015 Investment in Timber Harvest Program

Press Release

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) today sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service (FS) Chief Tom Tidwell calling on the FS to increase its 2015 investment in the timber harvest program to help fight mountain pine beetle infestation and maintain forest health in the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF).

In January, the FS announced an additional $1.5 million for BHNF timber harvest in 2014. Thune's letter notes that increased investment in the timber harvest program has received national acclaim and the Black Hills received the 2013 "Chief's Award" as a result of the innovation and increased ability for the BHNF to reduce the spread of mountain pine beetle.

"The timber industry is vitally important to the Black Hills region and supports hundreds of local jobs," said Thune. "Additional support for the timber harvest program will allow more timber to be harvested and sold, stimulating the local economy, decreasing the chance of devastating wildfires, and combatting the pine beetle epidemic."

Thune also introduced legislation in March of 2013, the Emergency Forest Rehabilitation and Restoration Act (S. 661), that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement necessary procedures to thin more acres of federal forestland every year. The bill would also restrict the Forest Service from purchasing additional land for the next five years and redirect those funds to finance increased timber harvest.

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