Date: 09/04/2015
Final
Forest Health and Water Issues
WILDFIRE MATTERS REVIEW COMMITTEE
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11:39 AM -- Forest Health and Water Issues
Travis Smith, Manager of the San Luis Valley Irrigation District and Rio Grande Basin Representative on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, spoke to the committee about watershed health issues. Mr. Smith spoke about the culture change experienced in the San Luis Valley following the West Fork Complex Fire. Mr. Smith also spoke about the role of the Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Action Coordination Team (RWEACT). Mr. Smith also spoke about the importance of watershed health within the Colorado Water Plan. Mr. Smith spoke about the work that goes into developing a plan for watershed health. Mr. Smith also spoke about the impact that fire borrowing by the U.S. Forest Service has on the local community. Mr. Smith also spoke about the impact of a changing landscape, a decline in industry, and permitting issues with various federal agencies. Mr. Smith continued to speak about RWEACT, the Rio Grande National Forest's forest plan revision efforts under the 2012 planning rule, and the role of the state in supporting regional watershed groups.
Mr. Smith responded to questions from the committee regarding legislative recommendations.
Mr. Smith provided the committee with a handout providing an overview of RWEACT (Attachment N).
150904 AttachN.pdf
11:55 AM
The committee recessed for lunch.