Udall hosts hearing on wildfires, forest health

Senator Mark Udall hosted a hearing on improving forest health at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

Udall said the purpose of Wednesday’s hearing was to focus on lessons learned that can be applied to future suppression, recovery and mitigation efforts.

Udall said federal officials need to review wildfire challenges the West faces as well as solutions to help restore forests and reduce the damage to communities and the economy.

A panel of energy and natural resource experts gave testimony on the state’s current situation and possible solutions to improve forest health.

A common theme among the panel was the need for more federal funding.

“How we get that money is a combination of federal government re-prioritizing it’s investments and frankly finding a way to turn forest health practices and treatments into a profit making enterprises,” said Udall.

The Catamount Institute and Colorado Springs Come Together is holding a discussion about preparing your home against wildfires.

The discussion is Wednesday night at Centennial Hall on 200 S. Cascade Avenue from 7 to 9 p.m.