Final
Colorado State Forest Service Briefing
COMMITTEE ON
JOINT AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Votes:
Action Taken:
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07:37 AM -- Colorado State Forest Service Briefing
Bill Wilcox, Interim State Forester, Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), gave an overview of the 2004 Forest Health Report prepared by CSFS that was distributed to the committee. A copy of the report is included along with the committee summary that is on file at the State Archives. Mr. Wilcox spoke about insect and disease activity in Colorado forests, focusing on several insect outbreaks and problems areas in the state involving insects such as the mountain pine beetle and pinon beetle. Mr. Wilcox also discussed ponderosa pine forests or areas in the state, and how many of these areas are located in the wildland-urban interface. He further noted that approximately 75 percent of the state's high-risk area for fire in the wildland-urban interface is characterized by ponderosa pine landscapes.
07:50 AM
Mr. Wilcox provided more detail about the threat of wildfires in the state, and preparations for the upcoming fire season. He also noted that this is the 50th anniversary of the CSFS, and referred to a Forest Health DVD prepared by CSFS that was distributed to the committee. A copy of the DVD is included along with the committee summary that is on file at the State Archives.
07:55 AM
Nancy Fishering, Forest Advisory Board, introduced herself, and noted that the 2004 Forest Health Report provides a good overview of the main issues facing Colorado forests. She also referred to a handout by the Colorado Timber Industry Association (Attachment A), which gives an overview of timber harvesting in Colorado forests. She noted that the timber harvesting industry has greatly declined in Colorado. Responding to committee questions, she described the process for approval of logging salvage timber in the state.
08:08 AM
Responding to another committee question, Ms. Fishering described the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) compliance efforts with the federal Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA), particularly in relation to timber harvesting. She said there is a disconnect between the regional and local levels in the USFS regarding forest planning, in relation to logging in national forests. For example, she referred to the three remaining aspen timber mills in Colorado that are currently lacking a viable supply of aspens, due to a lack of proper coordination and planning between USFS local and regional forest managers.
08:15 AM
Lyle Laverty, State Parks Director, gave an overview of State Parks' efforts and progress regarding forest health issues in Colorado. As an example, he referred to fuel reduction and thinning efforts at Staunton State Park, and bug treatment at several other state parks.
08:25 AM
Senator Isgar commented that there needs to be more of an effort to educate the public about forest health issues, though he acknowledged that State Parks and CSFS have done a good job in that respect. He noted, however, that more needs to be done, especially by the media, since many people think that these issues, which are often connected to drought, have gone away due to what is perceived as a good winter. Senator Taylor also commented on and urged more public education efforts regarding forest health issues.
08:31 AM
Responding to committee questions on public education efforts, Mr. Wilcox spoke about CSFS's community wildfire protection planning. He also emphasized that public education efforts on forest health issues cannot let up, and should be an ongoing thing.
08:35 AM
The joint meeting was adjourned.