Fiscal Responsibility for Larimer County!
The Mountain Pine Beetle poses a very serious threat to Larimer County. The beetle is coming and, in fact, is already active in Rocky Mountain National Park, east of the continental divide, and in the Estes Valley.
This threat touches on at least four areas that are important to me and that, if elected, I would bring to the job as County Commissioner.
First is the priority of public safety. Dead trees caused by the pine beetle add a tremendous fuel load to our forests. The prospect of a huge, out of control fire poses massive risk to life and property.
This brings me to my second point: anticipating and preparing for the future. Once the pine beetle infests a tree, nothing practical can be done to save that tree. So, effective forest management is essential. The beetle prefers forests that are old and dense. Thinning is necessary so that trees are healthy and well spaced.
In addition to the pine beetle, there are other issues facing the county—transportation and water conversation and storage come immediately to mind. Just as with the pine beetle, preparing for the problems we know are coming does not cause the problems. Being proactive is more effective, less time consuming, and less expensive.
The third area that is important to me is our economy. Tourist dollars are a huge boon. Just imagine what it would mean to our economy if Rocky Mountain National Park burned down. It would be devastating. Our first priority is to protect life and property but protecting our economy is also important.
Finally, the problems with the pine beetle point to the need for regional collaboration. Larimer County, property owners, the park service, the forest service, and neighboring counties must all work together to address the pine beetle. I strongly support the county’s efforts in this area.
Property owners need help in two areas. First, education and outreach are extremely important. And secondly, additional opportunities are needed to dispose of slash and culled trees.
It will not be easy but the challenge of the pine beetle is one that we can meet.