J_WRARC_2024A 09/18/2024 09:17:22 AM Committee Summary

Rosy Brummette-Weber, Office of Senator Michael Bennet, introduced her presentation. She gave an overview of the federal Farm Bill and a brief history. She discussed the Farm Bill process and timeline for implementing a renewed bill, the expected spending and effect on the federal deficit, and how federal members are working to get a new Farm Bill passed in Congress.

The panelists responded to questions on tools and efforts around future reintroductions, conversations with local communities and officials, transparency in CPW operations, managing depredation, impacts to the beef and sheep industry, and relocation of wolves.

Panelists continued to respond to questions about CPW's decision making process and balancing input from multiple stakeholders.

Panelists continued to respond to questions regarding future reintroductions.

Karla Cardoza, Brujila Comunitaria, introduced herself and her presentation. She gave her presentation in Spanish and a handout was provided to the committee with the English translation. She spoke about collaboration between local farmers and communities, the need for fresh healthy school meals, and the benefits of purchasing local foods.

The panelists responded to questions regarding milk and dairy products as part of the program, state funding for the continuation of the local food purchasing program, and the schools participating in local purchasing programs.

Rebecca Hill, Colorado State University (CSU), introduced her presentation and gave background on the AgrAbility Project. She told the committee about the project's efforts working with farmers and ranchers with physical limitations.

Chad Reznicek, Colorado AgrAbility Project, spoke about statistics on Colorado agriculture and the challenges that the agricultural industry faces, including weather, unexpected losses, work-life balance, politics, and market volatility. He discussed suicide prevention among farmers and ranchers and barriers to accessing mental health in rural communities. He told the committee about the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program.

The panelists responded to questions regarding funding for the program, the connection with the Behavioral Health Administration, the impacts on the program if additional funding does not get provided, providing substance-use resources in rural communities, and future college students going into rural behavioral health care.

Mr. Gates responded to questions regarding the work of the council and input on membership.

Gaspar Perricone, Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project, answered questions about the role of the council.

Mr. Perricone presented on the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project (CWCP) and gave an overview of the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program. He told the committee about the program's history and the funding for the program coming from the sale of Habitat Stamps. He spoke about the Habitat Stamp Committee and how it advises CPW, the makeup of the committee, and its work with landowners.

Ron Redd, Parker Water, told the committee about the costs associated with the different projects, future construction costs, and funding sources. Mr. Frank continued to talk about shared infrastructure, potential grant funding, and the benefit of partnerships.

Mr. Yahn spoke about local support for water projects and his conversations with landowners in the valley.

Panelists responded to questions regarding keeping water away from buy-and-dry water sharing, and the benefits to agriculture.

Lindsay Ellis, representing
Colorado Public Health and Environment, testified.

Adam Queen, representing
themself, testified.

Colleen Morrison,
representing Backflow Association of Colorado, testified.

Andy Hill and
Brad McClintock, representing Denver Water, responded to questions from
the committee.

Victor Branstetter,
representing Backflow Association of Colorado, testified.

Dianna Orf, representing
Colorado Mining Association, testified.

Sarah Werner,
representing Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, was available
for questions only.  

The committee took a brief recess.

Richard Sweetman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, gave remarks on the bill approval process. Josh Abram, Legislative Council Staff, gave remarks on the fiscal note process.

The committee did not move or take a vote on Bill 8.

The committee did not move or vote on Bill 10.