A synopsis: Data collected from aerial surveys of the high elevation forests show that our tree problems are multiplying. In addition to the Mountain Pine Beetle, the Spruce Beetle, Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD) and the Western tent caterpillar are all wreaking havoc on our forests. The Mountain Pine Beetle infestation began in 1996. Since then, nearly 2.9 million acres have been destroyed with 400,000 acres of damage this past year alone. 

The importance of maintaining a healthy forest has some surprising points. There is the obvious aesthetic value that brings in tourism to the mountainous regions. Tourism is the second largest industry in terms of jobs for Colorado (Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association). The High Elevation forest provides economic benefits for timber and other natural resources. The mountains are a place to play and enjoy the outdoors. The unique biodiversity and wildlife that are indigenous to Colorado's high country adds to the majesty of the outdoors. The trees in the high country minimize erosion, provide snow cover and play a vital role in producing water and maintaining our watershed. The watershed in Colorado, provided by the melting snow and ice from the mountains, provides water for many other states.

The biggest threat to our ailing forest is the risk of wildfire...

Another problem that must be addressed due to the tree devastation is the risk of falling trees. After trees have been dead for 12-15 years, they fall over and with important power lines, roads and fence lines in the "drop zone", downed trees could prove to be a costly problem soon.  

So,what's the good news? Firstly, this is a natural cycle of forests.Mountain Pine Beetle usually focuses on the older trees and the younger ones will continue on. Expectations are that in 10-15 years, we will see a newly rejuvenated forest. BUT... we need to put in some work now to prevent disasters.

SB 16 is a great start. It starts by creating a revolving loan program for start-up timber companies to help the already existing and already overloaded companies clear the dead timber. This is a time sensitive issue because the longer the trees stay dead, the less of the tree can be used. The added benefit in this economy is that this loan helps create jobs, especially for Coloradans.The bill also assigns responsibility and accountability to the Governor and the State Forest Service to prioritize areas of concentration and in the event of a fire. For those businesses being impacted by the dead timber, a tax break incentive is created if they put some of their resources into timber removal and investment in reseeding efforts. The bill already passed the Senate unanimously. Now onto the House!