Forest Health Council schedules DNR and State Forest Service briefings, asks for data and Forest Health Tracker walkthrough

The Colorado Forest Health Council’s legislative committee on July 11 agreed to a schedule of upcoming presentations and asked staff to request tailored briefings from the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado State Forest Service.

Courtney (committee staff) shared the committee’s legislative recommendations document and asked members to submit specific questions for presenters so agencies can prepare focused materials. Courtney said DNR likely needs about four weeks to assemble information that extends beyond the COSWAP program and suggested that members provide questions promptly to help shape the briefings.

Committee members discussed calendar options for August and September and tentatively agreed to prioritize an August date for a high‑level overview (including nursery updates, budgets and programs) and to schedule the Forest Health Tracker walkthrough at the next meeting so members can see what projects have occurred and where gaps remain.

"I think, giving DNR ... 4 weeks to pull together information about programs, especially outside of COSWAP," Courtney said, noting that several requests (cost comparisons, nursery status, and program budgets) would need time to compile. Chair Jody Shadd McNally asked members to send their questions to Courtney before the next meeting to avoid delays and to help avoid open‑meeting pitfalls.

Who’s expected to present: Members flagged Julie Shapiro and Ali — and recommended also inviting conservation investment leads or co‑chairs — and discussed having separate or joint briefings from DNR and the Colorado State Forest Service so each agency has adequate time to present program details and field questions.

Logistics and follow up: The committee asked staff to invite presenters, collect member questions, and provide a post‑presentation summary after Chair McNally presents the council’s recommendations to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee next week. Courtney also confirmed guidance from budget staff that the state (DNR) should pay for printed materials tied to council business while outside sponsors could cover consumable items for events.

Next steps: Members will submit questions to Courtney ahead of the next meeting; staff will request DNR and CSFS briefings and aim to deliver compiled materials within the four‑week window Courtney described.