s_agr_2016a_2016-03-24t13:37:00z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/24/2016

01:44 PM -- HB 16-1255



Senator Baumgardner, prime-sponsor, discussed the provisions of House Bill 16-1255 concerning the management of forests to improve water supply conditions. He also distributed Amendment L.002 (Attachment A) and Amendment L003 (Attachment B). The reengrossed bill directs the Colorado state forest service (CSFS) to conduct demonstration pilot projects that utilize Colorado's good neighbor authority with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to implement forest management treatments that improve forest health and resilience; supply forest products to Colorado businesses; and target a Colorado watershed. The bill requires at least $200,000 of the $1 million annually allocated to the CSFS for community watershed restoration be used to implement these pilot projects. The CSFS, in conjunction with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), is also required to conduct a study to quantify and document the relationship between the state water plan and the importance of forest management in protecting and managing Colorado's water resources. Study results must be submitted in a report to the House and Senate natural resource committees by July 1, 2017. The bill also creates within the CSFS the Forest Health Advisory Council to advise the state forester on a broad range of issues with and threats to Colorado's forests. Council membership will be appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership and is subject to sunset review in 2021.



160324 AttachA.pdf160324 AttachB.pdf



The following persons testified on the bill:



01:44 PM -- Lyle Laverty, Society of American Foresters, spoke in support of the bill.



01:52 PM -- Mike Lester, State Forester, Colorado Forest Service, spoke in support of the bill and discussed the health of Colorado's forests. He also responded to questions from the committee about the bill and Good Neighbor Authority.



02:00 PM -- Chris Treese, Colorado River Water Conservation District, spoke in support of the bill.



02:01 PM -- Gini Pingenot, Colorado Counties, Inc., spoke in support of the bill and Amendment L.002.



02:02 PM



The chair closed testimony and Senator Baumgardner closed his remarks on the bill.