Christine Scanlan

Rep. Scanlan Leads on Forest Health Issue
Rep. Scanlan will present two significant Wildfire/Bark Beetle bills to the
House Agriculture Committee at 1:30 in HCR 0107... And heads to DC to lobby next week

(DENVER) Today, State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) is leading two forest-health bills through the legislative process. And next Wednesday, she’ll lead a delegation to Washington, DC to urge the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Forest Service, Interior Secretary Salazar, the Colorado Congressional delegation and others to address the bark beetle epidemic and forest fire potential – before it’s too late.

Rep. Scanlan will present two bills to the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee at 1:30 in House Committee Room 0107.

With Rep. Steve King (R-Grand Junction), she will present Senate Bill 1, The Community Wildfire Protection Plan. That bill, led through the Senate by Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County), helps local governments prepare for wildfires so they can respond effectively and efficiently in emergency situations.

Rep. Scanlan says that, “Having a plan and guidelines established before firefighters hit the ground will help save lives and property.”

House Bill 1199 is The Health Forests, Vibrant Communities Act, an omnibus bill which makes a number of significant changes and allocations regarding the management, protection, and use of Colorado's forests, particularly in response to the bark beetle de-forestation and resulting increased risk of forest fires.

Rep. Scanlan describes HB 1199 as “a good step for the state to assist private land owners and local communities address their own wildfire priorities.”

Rep. Scanlan said that she is looking forward to lobbying our federal partners in D.C.

“We must bring to Washington's attention the extreme risk Colorado faces for a catastrophic wildfire in the northern central Rockies,” Rep. Scanlan said. “This is an issue of urgent national importance. The vast majority of beetle kill acreage is on federal lands where critical infrastructure and essential watershed are located.”

Rep. Scanlan is paying for her trip.