I_WMRC_2024A 08/13/2024 09:10:11 AM Committee Summary

Senator Cutter went over the agenda for the meeting today and introduced presenters.

U.S. Representative
Brittany Pettersen gave the following presentation to the committee: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/rep._pettersen_8_13_24_wildfire_matters_review_interim_committee_presentation_.pdf

To start her presentation,
Rep. Pettersen went over the areas that are in her district and spoke about
the importance of wildfire matters in her area. She spoke about the recent
fires in the state and how many citizens were affected by them. She shared
statistics for those affected by wildfires nationally including the area
affected and the total cost.

Madeline McDonald, Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, spoke about the make up of the commission and the work they have done. She covered the overarching themes of the commission and their work. She shared recommendations including proactive forest and rangeland management and proactive wildfire recovery preparedness.

Representative Petterson spoke about the federal priorities for wildfire prevention including firefighter recruitment and funding for wildfire response from both a local and federal level. She shared her legislative work related to wildfire prevention. The presenters spoke about important things to consider when working on wildfire policy in the state.

Members of the panel answered questions from members of the committee.

Scott Eichelberger introduced staff from Lockheed Martin. He spoke about how the pilot program with Colorado DFPC began. He shared an overview of the program's history. He shared services being offered by using AI products.

Mr. Eichelberger went over DFPC pilot and fire activities support including examples from recent fires. Tim Burdick spoke about the Alexander Mountain Fire and how these services have been used recently.

Mr. Eichelberger gave a summary of the pilot program and explained next steps to extend the program and continue collaboration. The presenters answered questions from members of the committee.

Ms. Ann Imse, representing Rotary Wildfire Ready in Evergreen, Conifer and Bailey, testified.
Joanne Cole, representing themself, testified.

The panel answered questions from members of the committee.

The committee recessed.

The committee came to order.

Senator Cutter opened discussion for bill proposals.

Members of the committee shared bill proposals before voting on which to move forward.