WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), welcomed Mr. Bill Crapser, state forester for the Wyoming State Forestry Division, to the committee. Crapser testified before the committee at a hearing to consider pending legislation.

Barrasso introduced Crapser to the committee prior to his testimony. “I would like to introduce to the committee, Mr. Bill Crapser, who is joining us remotely. I am very pleased Bill could be part of today’s hearing.

“Bill has served as the Wyoming State Forester since 2003. He knows as well as anyone that collaborative work across private, state, and federal boundaries is key to healthy forests across Wyoming and the nation. He provides critical expertise, and is a valuable resource for the many issues we are discussing today.

“Bill also has a great excuse for not joining us here in person because I know he likes to come testify. He very recently went out on a moose hunt in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. And as you can see by this picture, it was quite a successful hunt. Not only is Bill a great state forester, he’s also a crack shot. You probably had to wait 15 years to get that tag. Bill, congrats again, and thank you for joining us,” said Barrasso.

Click here to watch Crapser’s testimony.

In his written testimony, Crapser highlighted the importance of active forest management in order to maximize the forests’ full potential. “America’s trees and forests are a strategic national resource with vast potential as solutions for climate change, public health, and economic challenges. Active forest management maximizes the carbon benefits of forests and is vital to keeping forested landscapes working for us as carbon sinks, instead of carbon emitters,” wrote Crapser. 

Crapser applauded Barrasso and Manchin’s bill to manage and restore forests and rangelands. “Our nation’s forests and rangelands, face many serious challenges to their health and viability, including catastrophic wildfire and insect and disease outbreaks. This bipartisan legislation will go a long way to help land managers address these challenges and capitalize on existing opportunities. The ARCS Act will strengthen our forests and rangelands through thoughtful and coordinated afforestation and reforestation efforts, expanded opportunities for wildfire mitigation projects, and responsible timber salvage,” said Crapser.

Crapser also emphasized the efforts of the ARCs Act to support markets for sustainable wood products. “Markets for wood provide landowners with a source of revenue and are critical to maintaining the health and sustainability of forests in the United States. They enable the sustainable, carefully planned harvest of trees to optimize stand density and create age class and species diversity: characteristics that are critically important to enhancing wildlife habitat, forest resilience, and balanced harvest cycles,” stated Crapser.

For more information on Crapser’s testimony and the hearing, click here.