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Last month the U.S. Forest Service announced that the Black Hills National Forest would receive $1.5 million for additional timber harvest this year, the highest amount allocated to any national forest in the Rocky Mountain Region.

This funding came as the result of an Oct. 19 letter I signed, along with other members of congressional delegations from states in the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region, requesting a reallocation of existing funds be targeted to pine beetle control efforts.

In the fight for assistance to combat the pine beetle epidemic, I always point out to the Forest Service that the Black Hills very effectively utilizes the timber harvest funding it receives. This effectiveness is due to the combined and coordinated efforts of the local timber industry, the Black Hills National Forest supervisor and staff, and state and local governments, enabling them to more strategically fight pine beetles in the Black Hills. I am pleased the Forest Service recognizes this team effort in the Black Hills and has provided additional funding.