CO SJR032

Recognizes that wildfires in Colorado have increased over the past decade, resulting in billions of dollars in fire suppression efforts and property insurance claims.

Acknowledges that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has over 100 years of firefighting experience, operates 23 air tankers, 11 helicopters, and 14 air tactical aircraft, and has an annual budget of approximately $650 million.

Calls for establishing and maintaining an open line of communication between Colorado and California governments to share wildland firefighting best practices and improve both states' firefighting programs.

Notes that California receives 27% of its water from the Colorado River and has a mutual interest with Colorado in resource sharing through long-standing water use agreements.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to Governors Hickenlooper and Brown, CAL FIRE Director Ken Pimlott, U.S. Forest Service officials, and members of both states' legislatures and congressional delegations.