Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon has been appointed by Governor Polis to the state’s new Colorado Forest Health Council.
The 26-member council to which Commissioner Laydon was appointed is a volunteer stakeholder body that will advise the Governor through the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado General Assembly on issues, opportunities, and threats impacting Colorado’s forests.
“As a commissioner in a county which is at significant risk of wildfire, I am honored to have the opportunity to help shape our state’s forest management, wildfire risk management policies, and priorities for the future,” said Laydon.
The Council, previously housed at the Colorado State Forest Service, was reconstituted through SB21-237, with a broader focus and more diverse membership representing all corners of Colorado.
Its updated mission includes improving forest health in Colorado through integrated, science-based approaches, with a focus on collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, and private and nonprofit partners to mitigate wildfire, restore ecological health, safeguard communities and water supplies, mitigate and adapt to climate change, support local economies and protect recreation amenities, including across jurisdictional boundaries.
Commissioner Laydon has been appointed to a three-year term and the council will provide a report to the Governor and brief the General Assembly annually.
For additional information about the Colorado Forest Health Council and the full list of appointees click here.