Black Hills Gets Big Grant For Pine Beetle Fight

The USDA announced an additional $1.5 million in funding for the Black Hills National Forest to combat pine beetle infestation. The Black Hills portion of the grant is by far the largest portion of the approximately $2.6 million given by the National Forest Service to assist five locations. Other locations that will receive federal funds include Bighorn National Forest, Medicine Bow Routt National Forest, and Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming along with Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado.

The pine beetle infestation has devastated the Mountain West region and has led to numerous wildfires. The announcement drew immediate praise from South Dakota Representative Kristi Noem who touts the award as crucial support for the timber industry in the effort to restore forest health.