Wyoming-based Neiman Enterprises in 2012 donated US$50,000 plus US$50,000 for in-kind services to fight pine beetle in Lawrence County, South Dakota, says its three sawmills have not been able to stay ahead of the infestation

Allison Oesterle

LOS ANGELES , December 31, 2012 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –

To help fight the pine beetle infestation in Lawrence County, South Dakota, Neiman Enterprises Inc. has donated US$50,000 plus another $50,000 for in-kind services this year, reported the Black Hills Pioneer on Dec. 29.

How the money will be used specifically has not yet been determined, said Lawrence County Deputy State’s Attorney Bruce Outka, who was recently informed of the donation by the Spearfish Canyon Foundation, which is a conduit for donations.

Neiman Enterprises’ donation to the Lawrence County Pine Beetle Program is tax-deducible. The company is not certain how much it will donate for 2013, but it will continue to do in-kind services, said Outka, the Black Hills Pioneer reported.

As an example of an in-kind service, Neiman Enterprises used its equipment and operator to clear out and open roads that would allow certain areas to be accessible for logging, after receiving permission from the U.S. Forest Service, said Outka.

The 2013 plans for treating the areas involved in the pine beetle infestation are still being developed, but they will be carried out “after the bug flight” in the autumn, said Outka, noting that the goal is to restore the forest’s health.

Neiman Enterprises has not been able to stay ahead of the beetle infestation, which began in 1987, said Jim Neiman, president of the company. He believes the bug could destroy “if not all, a good portion of the Black Hills tree stands,” reported the Black Hills Pioneer.

The family-owned company, based in Hulett, Wyoming, produces ponderosa pine lumber and wood pellets, according to its website.

The primary source of this article is the Black Hills Pioneer, Spearfish, South Dakota, on Dec. 29, 2012.

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