Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources have announced the members of the newly formed Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force. This group was established by executive action to address a growing outbreak of mountain pine beetles affecting ponderosa pine forests along Colorado’s Front Range.
Governor Polis stated, “Colorado is at the forefront of reducing the impact of wildfires, floods, and protecting Colorado communities. By assembling our team of forestry experts and state and local officials we are taking action to deal with the impact of mountain pine beetles and helping to protect our forest and key water sources, and equipping homeowners to better protect their homes.”
Recent aerial surveys conducted in 2025 by the USDA Forest Service and Colorado State Forest Service indicate that mountain pine beetle activity is increasing in ponderosa pine forests throughout the Front Range. Dead trees from beetle infestations are now visible along major corridors such as U.S. 285 and I-70. Experts attribute this trend to warmer temperatures and ongoing drought conditions, which are expected to persist into the next decade.
The task force’s mandate is to develop coordinated, science-based strategies over the next ten years to protect communities, forests, water resources, infrastructure, and outdoor recreation in Colorado.
Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, said: “The State of Colorado, including the Department of Natural Resources, Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control has heard the Governor’s clear call that the time is now to take action on our emerging mountain pine beetle outbreak along Colorado’s Front Range. We have assembled a diverse array of elected officials, federal state and local representatives and ex-officio member expertise for this Task Force to move together in a coordinated effort across landownership and political boundaries to bring forth the necessary recommendations and actions for healthy forests and communities.”
Beetle-killed trees present increased hazards for firefighters, recreational users, utility providers, and transportation routes. They can also affect wildfire behavior under certain conditions. These risks are particularly significant in foothill communities where forests intersect with homes and critical infrastructure.
The task force will be co-chaired by Dan Gibbs; Mike Morgan, Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control; and Matt McCombs, State Forester and Director of the Colorado State Forest Service. The group may add ex-officio members or consult subject matter experts as needed.
Members appointed by Governor Polis include Senator Mark Baisley (Littleton) and Representative Lesley Smith (Boulder), both representing the Colorado General Assembly.
Appointees named by the Department of Natural Resources include Troy Heithecker (USDA Forest Service), Douglas Vilsack (U.S. Bureau of Land Management), Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper (Jefferson County/Colorado Fire Commission), Madelene McDonald (Denver Water/Watershed Scientist), Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally (Larimer County), Commissioner Dan Williams (Teller County), James Brad White (Grand Fire Protection District), Sebastian Walton (Xcel Energy), William Lepry (Colorado Mass Timber Coalition), Megan Maxwell (Colorado Timber Industry Association), Paige Lewis (The Nature Conservancy Colorado), Joseph Lavorini (National Forest Foundation), Thomas Gougeon (Gates Family Foundation), Zach Thode (Lehi Ranch farmer/rancher), Mike Alexander (Douglas County Sheriff’s Office).
Ex-officio members represent federal delegation offices for Representatives Jeff Crank, Joe Neguse, Brittney Petterson; Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper; as well as state agencies such as climate preparedness, wildlife habitat coordination, tribal leadership from Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker; agriculture insectary direction; insurance regulation; service programs; resiliency management; watershed protection; hazard mitigation; forest entomology; tourism promotion; forest restoration research.
The task force aims to coordinate among public agencies at all levels plus private sector partners on urgent strategies like fuel mitigation efforts, public education campaigns about beetle impacts (learn more), watershed protection planning (resources for Jefferson County residents), reforestation projects after outbreaks or fires (task force details), innovation in wildfire response tactics, development within timber markets impacted by tree loss due to beetles or fire risk concerns—plus consideration for insurance policy adaptations—and exploring new funding opportunities.
This approach draws on lessons learned from previous bark beetle outbreaks as well as experience responding to large-scale wildfires while investing in forest health initiatives aimed at watershed protection and community resilience statewide. Further appointments will be announced soon along with additional information about meetings scheduled for early 2026.
For more information about mountain pine beetles or resources related to this issue:
– Visit the Colorado State Forest Service website
– Jefferson County residents can access guidance via the county’s resource page
– Updates on task force activities are available through the Department of Natural Resources’ web page
