I_WMRC_2018A 08/08/2018 09:02:51 AM Committee Summary

Senator Coram, chair, provided introductory remarks.



Ben Miller, Director, Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (COE), introduced himself to the committee and discussed the center's work.



Committee members received a copy of Mr. Miller's presentation [Attachment A].

Mr. Miller discussed the COE's work. He began by explaining the Team Awareness Kit, which improves communications and spatial data use in firefighting based on military programs.

Mr. Miller continued to discuss COE projects, including the Colorado Fire Prediction System, which works to improve computer predictions of fire behavior. He described COE's remote connectivity projects.

Mr. Miller discussed the COE's work on night operations, unmanned ground vehicles, and water enhancers. He also noted the ability to use 3D printing to meet firefighting needs.

Mr. Miller discussed drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and their potential use in firefighting. He described pseudo-satellites and responded to committee member questions about this technology.

Mr. Miller continued to discuss the COE's projects using UAS and discussed future plans for UAS in wildland firefighting.

Committee members questioned Mr. Miller about how the COE's projects improve firefighting on the ground and the metrics used to evaluate outcomes, as well as unauthorized private drone use during wildfires.  Discussion continued regarding the proper regulation of UAS in active airspace and about the ability to track drones while flying.  Melissa Lineberger, DFPC Chief of Staff, discussed the department's public relations efforts regarding private drone use.

Mr. Miller and Ms. Lineberger responded to questions about the COE budget.

Iain Hyde, Director, Colorado Resiliency Office (CRO), provided an overview of the office and its work.  A copy of Mr. Hyde's presentation is available as Attachment B.

Mr. Hyde discussed the state's support for wildfire recovery efforts and the local entities also involved in recovery. He discussed recovery efforts to date in 2018.

Mr. Hyde explained the CRO's strategic priorities, and he also discussed the Colorado Resiliency Partnership.

Committee members questioned Mr. Hyde about road building after natural disasters and the slow pace of federal and reimbursement to local governments.

Mr. Hyde responded to questions about state assistance to private entities like the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Rob Addington, Landscape Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy, provided information about the role of forest management in mitigating wildfire risk in Colorado.  Mr. Addington's presentation slides are available as Attachment C.

Mr. Addington discussed the use of fuel reduction strategies to reduce the amount of fuel available to burn when there is a fire.  He noted the scientific basis for forest restoration.  He explained the funding sources and collaboration in fire mitigation efforts.

Mr. Addington responded to committee member questions about prioritizing fire mitigation and treatment costs.

Mike Lester, Director, Colorado State Forest Service, addressed committee questions about the state of the timber industry in Colorado.

Molly Pitts, Executive Director, Colorado Timber Industry Association, introduced her organization and the Intermountain Forest Association, which she also represents. She discussed the impact of beetle epidemics on Colorado's forests.  Ms. Pitts' presentation slides (which she did not use in the hearing) are available as Attachment D.

Ms. Pitts described the good neighbor authority that helps the forest products industry work with the state and US forest services.  She noted increased mill capacity in Blanca and Montrose that will allow the industry to process more wood.

Ms. Pitts explained that the logging industry can benefit from state agricultural internship programs.  She made recommendations, including finding a consistent funding source for wildfire mitigation grants and advocating to the US Congress regarding the Farm Bill.  She added that restored immunity for pile burning would also help prevent forest fires.

Committee members discussed sawmill operations in the state with Ms. Pitts.

Joe Duda, Deputy State Forester, Colorado State Forest Service, discussed state efforts to promote Colorado wood.

Bobbie Baca, Director, Property Casualty and Title, Consumer Services, Colorado Division of Insurance, discussed the division's role in aiding homeowners after wildfires.

Ms. Baca discussed incentives from insurers and local governments to help homeowners mitigate fire risks on their property.  She addressed committee questions about fire prevention coatings and other products.

Ms. Baca responded to committee questions about flood insurance and how it interacts with fire damage claims.

Curtis Heaton, Director of Fire and Aviation Management, US Forest Service (USFS), US Department of Agriculture, presented on the role of the USFS in wildfire mitigation and firefighting. He discussed a fuel break that effectively defended communities during the Buffalo Mountain Fire.

Mr. Heaton discussed dry conditions and the impact on USFS ability to treat fuels, including with prescribed fire.

Mr. Heaton responded to committee member questions about federal limitations on aerial firefighting and about logging and thinning on USFS lands.

Committee members questioned Mr. Heaton about aerial firefighting, types of aircraft, effectiveness, and costs.

Mr. Creighton noted that staff would prepare analysis of the proposals the committee is considering.  He also noted that the meeting audio would not be available live, but would be posted online the following week.

Mr. Creighton responded to committee member questions about proposals that would require voter approval.

Senator Coram made closing remarks about future committee meetings and action.