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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12643RESOLUTION NO. 12643 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE HEALTHY FOREST MANAGEMENT AND WILDFIRE PREVENTION ACT WHEREAS, the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act declares the bark beetle epidemic, drought, and deteriorating forest health conditions on National Forest System land and lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management with the resulting risk of devastating wildfires as an imminent threat; and WHEREAS, H.R. 818 gives governors the authority to designate high-risk areas within the National Forest System and lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and requires that governors consult with county commissioners from affected counties and affected tribes in designating high-risk areas; and WHEREAS, this legislation gives the states and the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture in consultation with states the authority to provide for the development of proposed emergency hazardous fuels reduction projects for high-risk areas; and WHEREAS, this legislation applies expedited procedures and authorities under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to emergency hazardous fuels reduction projects in designated high-risk areas; and WHEREAS, this legislation permanently authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with state foresters to authorize the state forester to provide forest, rangeland, and watershed protection services on applicable federal lands (Good Neighbor Authority); and WHEREAS, this legislation excludes Wilderness Areas and National Monuments and protects all valid and existing rights on applicable lands; and WHEREAS, H.R. 818 provides expedited approval procedures for projects carried out in response to hazardous fuels in close proximity to utility or telephone infrastructure, campgrounds, roadsides, heritage sites, recreation areas, schools, and other infrastructure. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that: Section 1. The Pueblo City Council recognizes the importance of healthy forest management and wildfire prevention. Section 2 The Pueblo City Council supports H.R. 818, the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act. INTRODUCED: April 8, 2013 BY: Eva Montoya Background Paper for Proposed RESOLUTION DATE: AGENDA ITEM # Q-5 April 8, 2013 DEPARTMENT: City Council TITLE: A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE HEALTHY FOREST MANAGEMENT AND WILDFIRE PREVENTION ACT ISSUE: Should the City Council approve a Resolution supporting the Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act? RECOMMENDATION: This Resolution is at the request of Council Members Ami Nawrocki and Ed Brown. BACKGROUND: This bill gives states the authority to identify areas afflicted by the bark beetle epidemic, drought, deteriorating forest health conditions, and high risk of wildfires and to put in place emergency hazardous fuels reduction projects to address those conditions. This Resolution would demonstrate the Council’s support of H.R. 818 and efforts to have healthy forest management and wildfire prevention. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.