Interior Secretary Gale Norton visited Nevada on Friday to promote the Bush administrations $760 million Healthy Forests Initiative.

Norton appeared with Arlen Melendez, chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, to announce a project to treat trees and thin brush on 56 acres of federal land near the tribe's reservation. She said the project will prevent wildfires and keep the land healthy.

Melendez said the tribe supports the project. Tribal staff worked with the Department of Interior on the project.

Get the Story:
Secretary of Interior promotes fire prevention in Nevada (The Reno Gazette Journal 2/8)
Norton backs Bush's $760 million forest-thinning plan (AP 2/8)

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Norton distributing wildlife grants to tribes (01/27)
Bark beetle poses problem for tribal forests (05/21)