Christine Scanlan

 GOV. RITTER APPLAUDS $40M IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO FIGHT BARK BEETLE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gov. Bill Ritter today joined U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce that the U.S. Forest Service has committed an additional $40 million to help fight the bark beetle epidemic in Colorado and other Western states.

Gov. Ritter thanked Secretary Vilsack and the Obama administration for listening to mounting concerns from Colorado and other states and responding so quickly. Gov. Ritter sent Secretary Vilsack a letter last month (click here to read letter) requesting the additional financial support. The beetle already has ravaged 2 million acres of mountain forests in Colorado, with an estimated 3 million more in jeopardy.

“The combined effects of massive bark beetle epidemics, the perennial risk of catastrophic wildfire, and a struggling forest industry have left forests throughout Colorado and other Western states at great risk,” Gov. Ritter said on a conference call with Secretary Vilsack and members of the media. “Our economy, communities, water supplies, property and citizens are threatened. Even in a tough economy like this, we cannot afford to ignore these challenges or these risks.

“My administration has been working closely with local government, the legislature and many other stakeholders to address this problem,” Gov. Ritter said. “But state and local action alone isn’t enough to fully address these critical needs. With a majority of forested lands in federal ownership, we need a strong partner in Washington. Today, you’ve shown us what a strong partner you are. On behalf of the citizens of Colorado and my fellow Western Governors, thank you for securing this vital funding. Thank you for listening, and thank you for leading.”

Three Colorado lawmakers who work closely on forest health issues also praised today’s announcement:

“Last summer, state Rep. Christine Scanlan and I traveled to Washington D.C. to ask for the federal government to act,” said Sen. Dan Gibbs. “I'm so happy to see them taking a part in fighting our bark beetle epidemic. Colorado’s landscape, ecology, and communities depend on it.”

“I’m thrilled that Washington, D.C., is finally heeding our warnings,” Rep. Scanlan said. “We have a long way to go, but this funding will provide an important bulwark for our vital watersheds and vibrant mountain communities.”

“This is an important step toward cleaning up our worst beetle-kill forests,” Sen. Al White said. “Ultimately this will help reduce the threat to life and property.”