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Senator Udall sponsors bill to attack pine beetles

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 24, 2009 at 7:31 am

From the Fresno Bee:

“The insect infestation that has killed millions of pine trees is one of the West’s “biggest natural disasters,” says U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, sponsor of a bill to give forest managers more ways to respond to the outbreak.

The Colorado Democrat said Monday that the bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, would allow the U.S. Forest Service to identify high-priority areas and expedite analysis of proposed treatments. The bill would expand and make permanent programs allowing the Forest Service to contract with state foresters and treat trees that aren’t of high commercial value.

“This is one of the biggest natural disasters we face in the West,” Udall said.

More than 2.5 million acres of pine trees in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming have been killed by tiny beetles that burrow under the bark and lay their eggs, turning the green needles to the color of rust as they feed on the tree and restrict its ability to draw water.

Other Western states with beetle infestations are Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon and eastern Washington. Forests in western South Dakota are also affected. … “

Read more from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.

November 24, 2009 · Filed Under Southwest Water Issues

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