632EBC4A7CA0A82F8725831A006CD7A9 Hearing Summary

Carol Ekarius, Coalition for the Upper South Platte, and Mark Morgan, Morgan Timber Products, presented on behalf of the Forest Health Advisory Council (FHAC). Their presentation slides are available as Attachment C. Committee members also received two handouts from the council [Attachments D and E].

Ms. Ekarius described the FHAC's work since its creation in 2016, and she noted problems facing the state's forests.

Mr. Morgan and Ms. Ekarius discussed the challenges of wildfires and their impact on watersheds.

Ms. Ekarius discussed the Waldo Canyon Fire and its costs to federal, state, and local governments, noting that local governments bear the majority of the long-term costs.

Mr. Morgan and Ms. Ekarius discussed the need to provide some immunity for prescribed fire to burn excess fuels. They explained FHAC recommendations concerning wildfire and prescribed fire, including allowing state agencies to assist private landowners with pile burns. They noted recommendations they have provided to the State Forester and others.

Committee members discussed forest health with Mr. Morgan. Ms. Ekarius and Mr. Morgan responded to questions about logging permits and the role of the US Forest Service in the timber industry.

Mr. Morgan responded to questions about the needs of the timber industry in Colorado, including streamlining documentation and regulatory requirements.