State task force sends recommendations process to September votes, task groups detail next steps

Director Dan Gibbs updated the council on progress of the Ponderosa mountain pine beetle task force: the group has established six working groups to address science and research; local engagement and communications; forest health and watersheds; fire risk and management; timber markets; and policy and funding. He said the working groups will send recommendation ideas to facilitators by Sept. 11, the next working group meeting is scheduled for Sept. 3, and the full task force will meet Sept. 22 to review and vote on recommendations.

"The working groups are sending recommendation ideas to facilitators by September 11 so that the co‑chairs, and policy funding work groups can review the proposal, before the recommendations and before it's voted on on September 22," Director Gibbs said. Council members noted overlap between the task force and the council's 30‑year vision and committed to continuing coordination so that recommendations can be routed appropriately (legislative, administrative, or programmatic). Staff and members discussed communications, public engagement and next steps for translating task force proposals into implementation buckets.