S_AGR_2022A 03/31/2022 01:36:51 PM Committee Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.

Matt McCombs, State Forester and Director of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), introduced himself and began presenting on the work of the CSFS. The following handouts were distributed to the committee:

The Colorado Forest Action Plan, which can be found here: https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-ForestActionPlan.pdf

Five Year Strategic Plan, which can be found here: https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/CSFS-StrategicPlan-2016-2020.pdf

The Home Ignition Zone, which can be found here: https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_CSFS_HIZGuide_Web.pdf

Mr. McCombs continued to discuss CSFS work investing in Colorado's forests.  He briefed the committee on the 2021 Report on the Health on Colorado's Forests, which can be found online here: https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2021_Forest_Health_Report.pdf

Mr. McCombs responded to questions from the committee.

Frank Beum, Regional Forester, US Forest Service (USFS) Rocky Mountain Region, presented to the committee on national forests and grasslands in Colorado. He provided a written copy of his testimony (Attachment A). He discussed USFS fire mitigation work.

Mr. Beum responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Ginal, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-167 to the committee. Under current law, breeders of racing greyhounds not intended to be companion pets are exempt from the requirements of the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act. The bill repeals this exemption.

Mr. Jordan Beezley, representing Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Ali Mickelson, representing Dumb Friends League, testified in support of the bill. She provided a handout for the committee (Attachment B). Roland Halpern, representing Colorado Voters For Animals, testified in support of the bill. Duane Adams, representing Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Mickelson and Mr. Adams responded to questions from the committee.

Francesca Maes, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Ginal wrapped up her presentation of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.

Senator Donovan, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-166 to the committee. This bill reauthorizes the voluntary contribution designation (income tax checkoff) benefitting the Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration Fund and extends the voluntary contribution indefinitely. Money in the fund is used to support wildlife rehabilitation and preservation of threatened and endangered species in the state through Colorado Parks and Wildlife programs. Under current law, the income tax checkoff will be available through tax year 2021.

Senator Donovan responded to questions from the committee about the bill.

Alice Cosgrove Horgan, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan wrapped up her presentation of the bill.

Senator Donovan, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-169 to the committee. The bill excludes information concerning the location of animals or sensitive plant species and habitat from requests for information under the Colorado Open Records Act.

Senator Donovan responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Jeff Roberts, representing Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, Colorado Press Association, and Colorado Broadcasting Association, testified to amend the bill.

Kathleen Curry, representing Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, testified in support of the bill. She read a letter from sportsmen's organizations in support of the bill.

Doug Vilsack, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill. Jeff Ver Steeg, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified on the bill and responded to committee questions.

Committee discussion with the bill sponsor and representatives of the Department of Natural Resources continued.

Senator Donovan asked the committee to lay the bill over for action only at a later date.