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U.S. Senator Wayne Allard |
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For Immediate Release July 13, 2006 |
CONTACTS: Carolyn
Williams – Sen. Allard Press Secretary |
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Colorado Delegation Discusses
Bark Beetle Problem with Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Senators Allard, Salazar and Congressmen Beauprez, Udall and Salazar have introduced separate legislation to address the problem in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. At the meeting, the following action was taken: (1) A working group consisting of representatives from the Colorado delegation, NWCCOG, CCI, and other Colorado local and regional stakeholders to be named would work together to see if a delegation bill can be crafted for introduction; (2) NWCCOG, CCI and others would identify what actions can be taken at the federal agency administrative level to address bark beetle-related needs; (3) and the Colorado delegation would seek a meeting with USDA Secretary Johanns in Colorado and show him firsthand the magnitude of the bark beetle problem. “We are in a position to take steps to help avert a potentially monumental disaster before it starts,” said Senator Allard. “I appreciate that both groups, NWCCOG and CCI, are willing to work together and have come to Washington D.C. to meet with me and the rest of the Colorado delegation to discuss solutions that will lead to the passage of meaningful legislation to address this very serious problem.” “The fire hazard created by bark beetles will impact our communities soon, and for years to come. Appropriate funding for forest management is vital to prevent a disaster, but unfortunately Congress has short-changed our forests” said Senator Salazar. “The involvement of local organizations is critical as we look to fix this problem; I thank NWCCOG for coming to Washington, sharing their concerns and ideas and continuing to work with us for a solution. This was a very productive meeting and all offices pledged to work together to fight this problem.” "John Salazar and I have been pushing for legislation since last year. There is an urgent need to combat the bark beetle crisis in our national forests, and this crisis requires all of us to pull together and provide the tools and resources needed," said Udall. "I appreciate the efforts of local communities to find solutions and I look forward to working with the Colorado delegation, the Forest Service, BLM, local communities, the private sector and the state to get these tools and resources where they are needed most to protect communities and Colorado's forests." "The magnitude of the problem and the need for immediate action is indisputable," said Beauprez. "I look forward to working with our Congressional Delegation, state and local governments, and the private sector to providing a quick solution to this crisis and take the steps necessary to protect our watershed, wildlife, mountain communities and tourism industry." Representative Salazar said, “What we need are ways to manage the natural processes – bark beetle damage and fire danger – so that neither one becomes catastrophic. We need to focus on cutting the red tape that complicates efforts. And we need to include private industry, state, and local government in helping with the work. Creating healthy forests will take new ways of thinking and new partnerships. I stand ready to work together to protect our communities and secure this critical resource.” # # # |
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