Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today testifying of behalf of Governor Dirk Kempthorne about the threat noxious weeds pose to the state of Idaho.
 

Idaho is determined to turn the tide on the battle against noxious weeds in this state. The Governor is committed to a collaborative effort that will bring together all public and private landholders. The only means by which we can defeat these silent invaders is through a cooperative approach, which includes all public and private resources that can be brought to bear on this issue.
 

We all know that weeds know no political boundaries. That is why the Governor has determined that in addition to efforts within Idaho, he will raise the issue at the Western Governor's Association. That platform is one from which we can continue to educate about the threat of noxious weeds and move toward a regional cooperative effort.
 

In closing, I would like to commend Idaho's own Senator Larry Craig for his efforts on the Noxious Weed Coordination and Plant Protection Act. As the Senator is aware, no one state can solve this problem alone.
 

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify about this issue. This concludes my statement.