[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREST INSECT RESPONSE ENHANCEMENT AND SUPPORT ACT 
                       (ROCKY MOUNTAIN FIRES ACT)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure after working with my 
friend and colleague, Representative Mark Udall, that today we will 
introduce legislation to assist and help protect Rocky Mountain 
communities. Over the past couple of years, our state has experienced 
horrific wildfires caused by the ongoing insect epidemic in our 
forests. It is time to action in order to reduce the risks and protect 
both life and property.
  The Rocky Mountain Forest Insects Response Enhancement and Support 
Act, or Rocky Mountain FIRES Act, will provide the Forest Service, 
Interior Department and local communities with a better ability to 
respond to this serious and growing problem of beetle infestation.
  While the various species of bark beetle are native to our forests, 
these insects create poor forest health conditions and are destroying 
our forests. A healthy tree can normally defend itself through the 
production of sap that creates a retardant against the insect, but 
current drought conditions and density of forests have impacted the 
production of these natural defenses and the overall health of the 
forests.
  In my district, I am concerned that deteriorating forest health 
places many mountain communities at greater risk of fire. Our 
legislation will allow these communities to treat increased fuel risks 
caused by unhealthy trees and dense forest stands. In fact, we took 
great care to address the concerns of local communities and have 
crafted a bill that incorporated the input of diverse constituencies 
across Colorado.
  Finally, I would like to stress that our goal is to provide helpful 
tools in the treatment of forests areas while still having the proper 
sideboards in place to protect the environment. We understand the 
insects play a role in the forest ecosystem and the goal is not 
eliminate them, but to allow communities and the forest service to 
respond quicker to catastrophically impacted areas.
  This is good legislation that is needed to help protect and preserve 
Colorado's mountain communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this important piece of legislation.

                          ____________________