Date: 09/05/2012
Final
Past Legislation Concerning Forest Health and Wildfire Preparedness
WILDFIRE COMMISSION
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01:32 PM -- Past Legislation Concerning Forest Health and Wildfire Preparedness
Mr. Alex Schatz and Mr. Raegan Robb, Legislative Council Staff, prepared a memorandum for the commission (Attachment C) and described their research on prior legislation concerning forest health and wildfire preparedness. Mr. Robb noted that the memorandum is divided into categories but that he would discuss the legislation chronologically. He began by discussing the creation of the Wildfire Preparedness Fund and the fund's use to date. Mr. Robb continued to discuss the Forest Restoration Pilot Program and the grants awarded under the program, as well as the authorization for Forest Improvement Districts.
01:39 PM
Mr. Schatz explained that the Wildfire Preparedness Fund makes up the bulk of state funding for forest health. He described the income tax deduction for wildfire mitigation by property owners, the incentive program for volunteer firefighters, and the wildland-urban interface training fund. Mr. Schatz continued to discuss previous legislation, including bonding authority for watershed protection projects.
01:45 PM
Mr. Robb explained that an interim committee was formed in 2009 to address wildfire issues in the wildland-urban interface. He discussed the legislation resulting from this interim committee. He explained the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans under 2009 legislation. He also explained the authority provided by legislation for local jurisdictions to raise levies for forest health. Mr. Robb continued to describe more recent legislation.
01:54 PM
Mr. Schatz discussed 2011 and 2012 legislation, including the creation of the Forest Biomass Use Work Group and the consolidation of state homeland security functions under the Department of Public Safety.
01:58 PM
Commission members commented on the memorandum and presentation. Senator Nicholson recommended additional research on 2011 legislation regarding pile burning. Senator Roberts noted that the commission has different reporting requirements than typical interim committees. Mr. Schatz clarified the commission's reporting requirements, which include the commission's findings and recommendations.