Insect Prevention and Control Topic of Forest Service Open House

MENA, Ark. – An Open House to discuss a project designed to prevent and control insect disease and infestations will be held at the Mena Ranger District Office, 1603 Hwy 71 N, on Thursday, June 4 from 5-7 p.m.  The proposal includes thinning approximately 768 acres of shortleaf and loblolly pine across the Mena-Oden Ranger District.

A large majority of the Ouachita National Forest and the Mena-Oden Ranger District were designated as treatment areas under the 2014 Farm Bill.  That bill amended portions of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) of 2003 by adding language to address qualifying insect and disease infestations on National Forest System lands.

The Open House will provide information and allow interested parties to engage in the collaborative process to further develop and implement the project.  More information on areas designated can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/farmbill/areadesignations.shtml and more information on this project can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/ouachita/landmanagement/projects.

To learn more about the Open House, contact the Mena Ranger District office at 479-394-2382.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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