Larimer County commissioner warns drought and mountain pine beetles are creating a fast-moving wildfire and water crisis
We should all be very concerned about the current drought and a little bug the size of a grain of rice, which is bringing projections of potential near-100% fatality in some areas in Front Range Forests. On December 15, 2025, I attended a press conference at Elk Meadow Open Space in Jefferson County regarding the major mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreak. Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order creating a new task force to protect Colorado’s forests and communities, particularly the Front Range ponderosa forests.
I was appointed to the Colorado Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreak Task Force, which is co-chaired by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources Executive Director, the State Forester, and the Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and includes broad representation from key sectors…