Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

COMMITTEE ON JOINT AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Date:02/25/2015
ATTENDANCE
Time:11:40 AM to 12:48 PM
Arndt
X
Baumgardner
X
Place:RM 271
Becker J.
X
Becker K.
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Brown
X
Representative Vigil
Buck
X
Cooke
E
This Report was prepared by
Coram
X
Meghan O'Connor
Danielson
X
Donovan
X
Dore
X
Garcia
X
Ginal
X
Hodge
X
Jones
X
Lebsock
X
Mitsch Bush
X
Roberts
X
Saine
*
Scott
X
Sonnenberg
X
Vigil
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Annual Forest Health Survey ReportWitness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only


11:40 AM -- Annual Forest Health Survey Report

Mike Lester, Director, Colorado State Forrest Service (CSFS), gave a background to the committee of the CFS. Mr. Lester distributed the 2014 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests (Attachment A). He explained that the CFS proves technical assistance to private landowners, forest expertise to state-owned lands, community assistance related to fire, help with urban and community forestry issues, and forest products marketing and wood utilization, among other services. Mr. Lester provided and update of insects and diseases in Colorado state forests, including the effects of the pine beetle. He also provided a summary on Colorado's urban and community forests. Mr. Lester responded to questions from the committee regarding the mitigation of damage done to ash trees by the emerald ash borer in urban forests as well as damage done to forests by the pine beetle. Mr. Lester introduced Brian Ferebee, and he responded to questions from the committee regarding deforestation of trees killed by the emerald ash borer and the pine beetle.

150225 AttachA.pdf150225 AttachA.pdf

12:12 PM

Mr. Ferebee, Deputy Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States Forest Service (USFS), began his presentation to the committee and distributed his comments (Attachment B). Mr. Ferebee summarized restoration efforts being done by USFS and different projects being conducted throughout the state, including the Long-term Stewardship Contract awarded to Confluence Energy and the La Garita Hills Vegetation project. Mr. Ferebee explained that the USFS values the timber industry as a key partner in restoring landscapes and summarized efforts being done by USFS in Colorado to mitigate wildland fire risk. Mr. Ferebee responded to questions from the committee regarding range conservation officers, deforestation of trees killed by pine beetles.

150225 AttachB.pdf150225 AttachB.pdf

12:30 PM

Nancy Fishering, Vice President, Colorado Timber Industry Association, Intermountain Forest Association, explained the timbering industry to the committee. Ms. Fishering also explained the potential fire hazard associated with beetle-kill areas. She explained that the timber industry depends on federal funds to remove beetle-kill trees due to the fact that a majority of land is under federal jurisdiction. Ms. Fishering responded to questions from the committee regarding funding for the timber industry and the quality of beetle-kill timber.

12:48 PM

The committee adjourned.