USDA Under Secretary Mark Rey to Discuss 2007 Farm Bill and Wildfire Recovery in Billings

August 17, 2007

For More Information:
Robert Moler, 406-587-6842
Carrie Mosley 406-587-6967

Bozeman-- U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey will discuss the 2007 Farm Bill and wildfire recovery during a day-long visit in Billings on August 22, 2007.

During an event from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Rey will visit a private ranch impacted by the 2006 wildfires and highlight opportunities available through Farm Bill programs to assist private landowners to implement post-wildfire recovery practices on their lands. For details about this field tour, please contact Valerie Robertson, District Conservationist, NRCS, Billings, at valerie.robertson@mt.usda.gov or (406) 657-6277. This event is open to the media.

During another event from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Missouri Ballroom, Rey will hold a press briefing to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill. He also will announce that the nation’s largest Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) easement is almost complete. This easement, located in Custer County, will ensure that over 14,000 acres will remain open rangeland. This event is open to the media and the public.

Rey welcomes the opportunity to meet with the media. Please contact Robert Moler, Public Affairs Specialist, at 406-587-6842 for more information and directions.

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