The first 2006 meeting of the Summit County Pine Beetle Task Force was held at 7:30 on January 5^th of Quality Inn in Frisco. Dan Gibbs, an aide to Representative Mark Udall, brought the group up to date on the status of the Bark Beetle Bill proposed by Representatives Salazar and Udall. Many significant changes have been made to the original draft due to the comment process, that the task force helped to participate in. Several of these changes will affect Summit County and help make the bill a weapon to fight the beetle locally. He hopes that the bill will go before Congress soon where it is likely to be amended and hopefully gain bi-partisan support and be adopted. Dan urged that the task force begin to line up bipartisan support to contact representatives urging the passage of the bill.

Next Steve Hill reported on the proposed Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The draft version of the plan has been approved by all municipalities except Blue River. The Wildfire Council has been formed and is studying the area to identify priorities and decide which areas need mitigation work done first. Watershed, recreation and homes are regarded as the areas in which to focus.

Michael Penny reported on the Northern Bark Beetle Consortium, (composed of five counties) presently at the staff level. Priorities are protecting the urban interface. Short term goals include modifying the existing structure. Prevention, suppression, salvaging and protection are the long term goals. Penny cited several obstacles to the work of the consortium including: legislative and political; administrative; business and industry: and communication.

Howard Hallman suggested that we create a homeowners how to booklet that would generate awareness and help people deal with the infestation in their neighborhoods. Some members thought it should be geared to neighborhood leaders to help them get organized. Others thought a small fact sheet flyer that could be handed out door to door would be best. A need to communicate with homebuilders and real estate agents to help them become more informed on the issue, was suggested.

Gary Drescher pointed out that the metro district in Wildernest had appropriated money for the pick up and disposal of infected and dead trees, that property owners had removed. This project was increasing awareness in that community.