Representative Froelich, bill sponsor, introduced House Bill 26-1132: Practices to Support Pollinators. The bill requires that certain state agencies prioritize in-state sources of native plant material that supports pollinator habitat when planning or executing projects, and train land managers and maintenance crews to identify native plants and use best practices. The bill also requires the state forest service to conduct a study on the availability of native plant material, funded with private donations.

Representative Froelich provided an overview of amendments L.001 (Attachment G) and L.002 (Attachment H), and answered questions from the committee.

Ms. Amy Yarger, representing Butterfly Pavilion, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Maggie Gaddis, representing Colorado Native Plant Society, testified in support of the bill. Joyce Kennedy, representing People & Pollinators Action Network, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Brooks Baumann-Clayton, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Jim McGannon, representing Colorado Trout Unlimited, testified in support of the bill. Liz Holland, representing Friends of Animals, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.  

Amanda Martinez, representing Audubon Rockies, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Danna Liebert, representing Wild Ones Front Range, testified in support of the bill. Joe Salazar, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Brittany Dennison, representing Colorado Livestock Association, testified to amend the bill. Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Tim Brass, representing Colorado Department of Natural Resources, testified to amend the bill. Casey Cooley, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was available to answer committee questions. Adrian Carper, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was available to answer committee questions.

The panel responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Steve Armstead, representing The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, testified in support of the bill. Alexis Shannon, representing Eco-Cycle, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony can be found in Attachment I.

The bill sponsor and committee members gave closing comments on the bill.