CO HB1255

Authorizes Colorado State Forest Service to conduct or contract for demonstration projects using "Good Neighbor Authority" with the U.S. Forest Service to implement forest management treatments that improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and provide forest products to Colorado businesses.

Allocates up to $1 million annually until July 1, 2017 from the forest restoration program cash fund for community watershed restoration, with at least $200,000 dedicated to the demonstration projects.

Requires the forest service to secure full-time temporary staff, GIS capacity, and develop a web-based clearinghouse for technical assistance and funding resources related to wildfire preparedness, risk mitigation, watershed restoration, and economic development.

Directs the Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado Water Conservation Board to compile and submit a report by July 1, 2017 documenting the relationship between forest management and water resource protection, including costs of catastrophic wildfire and benefits of forest treatments.

Creates a 24-member Forest Health Advisory Council appointed by the Governor, House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate President, and Senate Minority Leader to provide collaborative advice on forest management issues; council is repealed effective September 1, 2021.