For Immediate Release
October 5, 2012
For more information,
Contact: Gary Martinez at 970-453-3401

The Summit County Commissioners are hosting a community forest health and wildfire forum and are pleased to announce that Governor John Hickenlooper will attend to provide his views on these critical matters. “We are thrilled that Governor Hickenlooper can attend,” stated Summit County Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier. “He has a unique insight on forest health issues and the planning, mitigation and response to wildfires that complement what we have been doing here in Summit County”. Summit County has been hit hard by the mountain pine beetle and recent drought conditions have put further stress on local forests. Currently there are over 140,000 acres of dead trees in the county much of which is located in important watersheds or near critical infrastructure such as major electrical transmission lines. “The County, towns, local fire districts and homeowner associations have formed a strong partnership and action plan with State and Federal agencies to reduce the threat of a major wildfire and developed comprehensive plans to protect people and property in the event one were to occur in Summit County” stated Commissioner Dan Gibbs. An overview of these efforts will be presented by the Commissioners prior to the Governor’s remarks. In his presentation, the Governor is expected to address the aftermath of Colorado wildfires this past summer and the State’s plans and improvements for future prevention and response.

The Forum will be held at the Summit County Community and Senior Center Wednesday, October 10th, beginning at 10:30 to 11:30. The public is invited to attend and join local elected officials, members of the Summit County Wildfire Council, Summit County Forest Health Collaborative and others to hear the Governor’s remarks and for a brief question and answer session.