The following notice was released by Vermont Senator Peter Welch.
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I wanted to let you know about a bill I introduced last week with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) to combat invasive species and protect our forests.
The Problem
More than 200 tree species around the country are in danger because of invasive species. Insects and pathogens are killing chestnut, elm, ash, and more trees that can be found throughout Vermont.
Federal and state governments have taken steps to combat invasive species, but they need more resources if we’re going to protect our forests.
My Bill
My bipartisan bill, the Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act, does a few key things to protect our forests:
- Allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to access emergency funds to respond to invasive outbreaks in real time.
- Supports efforts to help restore trees decimated by invasive species and research on new ways to keep them safer in the future.
- Funds a study to create a national plan to save trees species.
The Big Picture
Our forests are part of our way of life in Vermont. They energize our economy when tourists come to see them, capture carbon and produce tons of oxygen to keep our air clean, and provide beauty that we get to enjoy year-round.
This bill will protect Vermont’s trees so the next generation can grow up with the same vibrant forests that we did.
