CLICS/CLICS2018A/commsumm.nsf
PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For FOREST HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE
INTERIM COMMITTEE WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Sep 27, 2018
Location HCR 0112
Forest Health Advisory Council Update - Committee Discussion Only
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02:49:43 PM |
Carol Ekarius, Coalition for the Upper South Platte and Forest Health Advisory Council (FHAC), introduced herself to the committee and distributed information regarding the FHAC [Attachment C]. Ms. Ekarius discussed forest health in the state. Lyle Laverty, Society of American Foresters and FHAC, introduced himself to the committee and discussed wildfires in the state. Ms. Ekarius discussed water quality in watersheds as it relates to forest health. She discussed methods the FHAC is using to improve water quality. Their presentation can be found online here: http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/2017/fhac_wrrcaugust2018_final.pdf.
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03:03:49 PM |
Mr. Laverty discussed wildfire in the state as a challange
to maintain forest health in the state and the cost of wildfire suppression.
Mr. Laverty also discussed prescribed fires and how broadcast burning
can improve the health of forests. He stated that the FHAC supports
governmental immunity for prescribed fire and distributed related legislation
from New Jersey [Attachment D]. He discussed prescribed fires as
a tool for land managers, and Ms. Ekarius discussed prescribed fires as
a maintenance tool for land owners. Mr. Laverty discussed several other
recommendations from the FHAC, including expanding funding for prescribed
and pile burning, expanding public outreach on the importance of forest
health, and the creation of a Colorado Forest Plan that includes information
on the cost of fighting wildfire.
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03:16:07 PM |
The panel responded to questions from the committee regarding prescribed burns.
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