LARAMIE – A panel of experts will discuss the controversial practice of clearcutting and the impacts it has on forest ecosystems. This event is sponsored by Biodiversity Conservation Alliance in connection with the University of Wyoming’s Earth Day Celebration. The public is invited to attend and share in a spirited dialogue on as to whether clearcutting should be prohibited in National Forests, particularly the Medicine Bow National Forest. The event will take place on Friday, April 21st, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, at the University of Wyoming’s Student Union, West Ballroom.

There will short introductions from experts on the values of forest ecosystems, and the impacts of clearcutting on these ecosystems. The following speakers will present at the panel:

• Dr. Pat Dolan, Biologist working in Montana and Wyoming since 1991
• Dan Hayward, Local citizen and Medicine Bow enthusiast
• Dr. Steven Buskirk, Professor of Zoology at the University of Wyoming who has conducted studies on American marten in the Medicine Bow National Forest
• Rick Straw, Terrestrial Biologist, Wyoming Game and Fish Department
• Dr. Daniel Tinker, Associate Professor of Botany at the University of Wyoming who has conducted studies on ecosystem dynamics in the Medicine Bow National Forest
• Jeremy Nichols, Forest Advocate with Biodiversity Conservation Alliance

The panel will field questions and public comments, and facilitate a discussion on clearcutting and alternative sustainable methods for timber harvesting. Biodiversity Conservation Alliance would like to encourage anyone who has concerns about the future of the forests to join us for this special event.

For more information please contact Maggie Schafer at Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, maggie@voiceforthewild.org.

Maggie Schafer, Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, (307) 742-7978