47499154EAD372E2872587CE00803743 Hearing Summary

The committee came back to order.

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Alice Cosgrove, Legislative Liaison, (DNR), presented regarding the Department of Natural Resources.  A copy of their presentation is available as Attachment F. Director Gibbs described DNR's mission, vision, and organizational structure. He discussed DNR's budget and funding sources and staffing.

Director Gibbs discussed wildly important goals for DNR, including sustainable funding for parks and wildlife, balancing outdoor recreation and conservation, wildfire risk reduction, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. He discussed comprehensive water planning and stimulus funding implementation.

Director Gibbs detailed the department's FY 2022-23 budget request and its 2022 legislative agenda. He responded to committee member questions about the budget requests.

Dan Prezlow, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, DNR, presented on outdoor recreation in Colorado. He discussed the Future Generations Act report and goals. Mr. Prezlow continued to discuss capital construction projects from the division and General Fund support for department programs.

Mr. Prenzlow and Director Gibbs responded to questions from the committee about implementing the Keep Colorado Wild pass and the division's outreach programs. Mr. Prenzlow answered questions about wolf reintroduction and conflicts with ranchers.

Heather Dugan, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Assistant Director for Field Services, DNR, discussed the specific recommendations in the Backcountry Search and Rescue Study. Director Gibbs and Ms. Dugan responded to a question about firefighting equipment costs.

Becky Mitchell, Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), presented on the 2022 Colorado Water Plan. Ms. Mitchell continued to present on CWCB legislative priorities and state stimulus funding. She responded to questions about water rights and conservation easements, and about water education.

Ms. Mitchell and Director Gibbs continued to respond to committee member questions. They discussed DNR's efforts to secure federal recovery funds and its preparations to negotiate over the Colorado River. Ms. Mitchell answered a question about equity in water resources.

Kevin Rein, State Engineer and the Director of the Division of Water Resources, DNR, presented on his division and its mission. He discussed the division's budget request and outlook. Mr. Rein responded to committee member questions about the South Platte River Compact.

Bill Ryan, Director of the State Land Board, presented on the board's mission and its priority goals.

Ginny Brannon, Director of the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, discussed her division's work. She presented on the division's role in monitoring active and inactive mines in the state.

There was no public testimony for DNR's presentation.