Bark Beetle Legislation Affecting Colorado

There have been a variety of legislative efforts to bring money and tools into the area to help fight the Pine Beetle.

Mark Udall and John Salazar's draft bill, focused on fire mitigation, was presented to the Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force, and other community organizations in the fall of 2005. After taking comments from the public, the bill was amended and introduced in the US House.

Senator Wayne Allard submitted a bill that focused on Ground water purity and also had provisions for forest health beyond the current epidemic.

Senator Ken Salazar attempted to attach more than $30 million to the emergency appropriations bill passed this summer, but the funding was removed in conference committee.

Recently, members of the congressional delegation met with local leaders from northwestern Colorado to see if a unified approach could be planned. We will report on theresults of the meeting and keep posting legislative proposals as they are submitted to the task force.