Federal Appeals Court Rules in Wyoming’s Favor on Forest Management Issue

Federal Appeals Court Rules in Wyoming’s Favor on Forest Management Issue

CHEYENNE – Governor Matt Mead said he is pleased the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in Wyoming’s favor in an important case.

Wyoming had intervened in a lawsuit that challenged a forest management plan for the Black Hills National Forest. Wyoming supported the U.S. Forest Service’s plan for dealing with bark beetles, and timber management that created jobs and allowed grazing, but environmental groups challenged that plan. The appeals court today upheld the plan.

“This is an example of how I have repeatedly stood up for Wyoming’s interests. In this case we wanted to join the Forest Service in defending agriculture, the timber industry and the health of our forests. I am glad we prevailed,” Governor Mead said. “Bark beetles are devastating to our forests and to people who use the forests. That is why I also took action to put together a Forest Task Force to get recommendations on management going forward. We are proactive on this issue as we are with many other issues.”

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The Task Force on Forests is expected to release its recommendations this fall.