SB 22-007 Summary

• Defines "wildland-urban interface" as areas where structures or human development meet or intermingle with wildland vegetation.

• Directs the Colorado Forest Service to convene a working group of local, state, and federal partners to enhance wildfire risk mitigation outreach to residents in the wildland-urban interface prior to wildfire awareness month campaigns in 2023 and 2024.

• Requires the Forest Service to implement enhanced wildfire awareness month outreach campaigns in 2023 and 2024 using multiple channels including direct mail, social media, television, radio, billboards, and community events.

• Authorizes the Forest Service to develop marketing materials, conduct educational events, hire consultants, enhance web-based resources, and secure staff to implement outreach efforts, subject to available appropriations.

• Appropriates $800,000 to the healthy forests and vibrant communities fund for the 2022-23 state fiscal year and requires the State Forester to report to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee during 2023 and 2024 legislative interims on outreach efforts, funding used, and impact data.