The Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force was created by Governor Jared Polis through executive action(opens in new window) in response to a significant and expanding mountain pine beetle outbreak affecting ponderosa pine forests along Colorado’s Front Range. The task force is charged with developing coordinated, science-based strategies to protect Colorado’s forests, communities, critical infrastructure, and water resources over the next decade.

Purpose and Scope

The Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force will coordinate across state, local, federal, private, and nonprofit partners to advance urgent and long-term strategies. The task force’s scope includes:

• Improving cross-jurisdictional collaboration to address risks posed by beetle-killed trees and fuel accumulation
• Developing public education tools for homeowners and communities
• Evaluating strategies to protect watersheds and utility infrastructure
• Protecting outdoor recreation and tourism infrastructure and economies
• Advancing reforestation planning and forest health through species and age diversity
• Strengthening wildfire detection, suppression, and recovery innovation
• Assessing timber markets and opportunities to utilize beetle-kill wood
• Exploring insurance strategies related to shifting wildfire risk
• Identifying new funding strategies and implementing relevant federal wildfire recommendations

Charter and Work Plan

• Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force Charter
• Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force Comprehensive Work Plan

Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force Meeting

Date: September 22, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

More information coming soon.

Public Comment

All members of the public are encouraged to provide public comment. Sign up at the link below to make an oral public comment at future Task Force meetings, or make a written comment for the Task Force's consideration at any time. There will be opportunities for in-person public comment at Task Force meetings. Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes and must pertain to items on the agenda.

Submit Comment

Distribution List

Sign up to receive updates, meeting notices, and press releases related to the Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force.

https://dnr.colorado.gov/ponderosa-mountain-pine-beetle-task-force