680F1A5A51440D05872583B60060D5E3 Hearing Summary

Mike Lester, Director of the Colorado State Forest Service, came to the table to give a presentation on the Health of Colorado's Forests.  A copy of his presentation was distributed [Attachments A].

Mr. Lester discussed insects and disease activity, temperature trends, community protection plans, wildfires and the urban wild land interface, fire suppression, and what the Forest Service is doing to be more effective and proactive.  Mr. Lester responded to committee questions.  Molly Pitts, Executive Director of the Colorado Timber Industry Association, came to the table to respond to committee questions.  

Jacque Buchanan, Deputy Regional Forester, came to the table to update the committee on the national forests and grasslands in Colorado.  A handout was distributed [Attachment B].  

Ms. Buchanan, discussed economic benefits, forest health, shared stewardship, capitalizing on the authorities created by past legislation, timber harvesting, and responded to committee questions.

Ms.Pitts, Chris Treese, representing Club 20, and Chris Howell, Colorado Springs Utilities, came to the table to discuss Colorado Forest and Water Alliance.  The panel discussed the communities, statement of purpose, membership, core beliefs, criteria, and 2019 priorities.