FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2012

Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
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Tony Jarboe, 202-314-3104
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WASHINGTON (June 29, 2012) – Today National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson, in Colorado for NFU's All-States Leadership Camp, and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) President Kent Peppler expressed support to those who are being affected by the devastating wildfires burning in Colorado. 

“NFU is deeply concerned about the long-term impacts to the watershed in the areas affected by wildfires in the West,” said Johnson. “The current images of destruction to public and private forestlands and homes are troubling, and we must not forget the need that remains once fires are extinguished both for those impacted and for the land.”

“Land management agencies need strong budgets to stay at the ready to combat wildfires, but equally important are budgets and programs to make fire-dependent landscapes less susceptible to extreme wildfires,” Johnson added.

“Land management agencies need strong budgets to stay at the ready to combat wildfires, and we appreciate the additional resources to support response efforts announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal partners. Equally important are budgets and programs to make fire-dependent landscapes less susceptible to extreme wildfires,” Johnson added.

Peppler, a fourth-generation Colorado farmer, said, "Wildfires hurt us all. With Colorado facing drought, fires in the watershed mean even greater challenges to our water supply. Our hearts go out to those who have lost homes, property, and loved ones to these tragic fires, and we urge the government to address the underlying problems -- beetle kill mitigation, staffing for emergency preparedness -- that leave us vulnerable to such tragedies." 

On behalf of all Farmers Union members, Johnson and Peppler express deep concerns for the residents of Colorado and other areas of the West, and urge those who can be of support to do so.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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