Forest Health Council plans Capitol outreach breakfast; members discuss venue, costs and sponsorship

The Colorado Forest Health Council on April 18 discussed logistics for a Capitol outreach breakfast aimed at engaging legislators and staff during the legislative session. Courtney reported two available locations at the Capitol and said the old Supreme Court foyer — smaller but in a high-traffic path — was the recommended location for informal, conversational outreach.

Courtney shared estimated catering costs: “at least for food, they usually spend between $750 and $900 for food for 100 people,” including breakfast burritos, vegetarian options, fruit trays, pastries and coffee. Members discussed ways to reduce costs (large orders, pick-up) and funding options. Mark Morgan said he would try to “scare up some funding” and offered to contribute personally or through his company, while noting the need to follow disclosure rules if a private company paid for food.

Members also discussed small branded items and storyboards to share mitigation success stories. Pat Dorsey and Julie Stencil suggested themed cookies and stickers that reflect the council’s forest-vision imagery; Mark Morgan offered a designer contact to create artwork. The council agreed stickers and modest giveaways were a low-cost option and that storyboards could showcase how mitigation saved homes.

Courtney said she would contact the Capitol space managers to confirm availability (Thursdays favored) and get more specific cost estimates and rules about signage and displays. The council agreed to continue planning and revisit the topic at its May meeting, with a target to hold outreach sessions in January 2026.

Procedurally, the council approved the meeting minutes with two spelling corrections earlier in the session and later unanimously moved to adjourn.