IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Rep. Gabe Evans Hosts Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Address Water Supply Concerns and Wildfire Management
GREELEY, CO — Congressman Gabe Evans welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Colorado’s 8th Congressional District for a series of discussions and site visits focused on water supply, wildfire management, and forest stewardship across Northern Colorado.
The visit comes as Colorado faces severe drought conditions, declining snowpack, and heightened wildfire risk — challenges that directly impact communities, agriculture, and the state’s long-term water security.
“I’m thrilled to have welcomed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Northern Colorado to discuss the ongoing challenges that we face; from invasive species to other environmental concerns like drought and water resources impacting communities across Colorado District Eight. These conversations are vital to ensuring we can properly address these issues, and find ways to effectively mitigate as we head into wildfire season.” — Congressman Evans.
Congressman Evans’ spearheaded conversations with Secretary Burgum, local and state leaders–including representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Geological Survey, Poudre Heritage Alliance, and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed–by focusing on the intersection of drought conditions and wildfire risk, and how reduced water supply can accelerate fire danger across the region.
“Northern Colorado shows what’s possible when effective leadership and smart resource management come together to support good-paying jobs and local economies. Congressman Evans is a proven fighter for Coloradans and a strong voice for unleashing American Energy Dominance to lower costs, expand opportunity, and secure a brighter future for families across Colorado and the nation.” — Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
“The visit with Rep. Evans and Secretary Bergum in the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area helped to further the ongoing efforts and conversations of a variety of local partners engaged in the healthy Poudre River watershed. It is vital that we continue this dialogue regarding issues and solutions for water supply, storage, wildfire mitigation and the long-term health of the Poudre River Basin.”— Beth Bullard, Executive Director of the Poudre Heritage Alliance
A key component of the discussion centered on forest stewardship and the ongoing threat posed by mountain pine beetle infestations across the Front Range. Beetle-killed trees have created vast areas of dead timber, serving as fuel for wildfires and increasing both the frequency and intensity of fire events. Local leaders highlighted the importance of active forest management, including removing dead trees and improving forest health to reduce wildfire risk and protect surrounding communities.
“The ongoing mountain pine beetle outbreak is hitting some of the Front Range’s most populated and high-risk areas, along many of our main travel corridors and in places that matter most for water, infrastructure and recreation. And with the historically warm, dry winter and spring we’ve had, it’s likely to get tougher before it gets better….I appreciate Congressman Evans for helping open up conversations with leaders like Secretary Burgum and Director Fennessy. When we work together, we can ensure Coloradans have a more resilient future where we don’t find ourselves this vulnerable ever again.” — Matt McCombs, State Forester and Director of the Colorado State Forest Service
During the visit, Congressman Evans and Secretary Burgum toured along the Poudre River to see firsthand how local partnerships are restoring habitat, improving water quality, and strengthening long-term environmental resilience. These efforts, including innovative watershed restoration techniques, play a critical role in protecting water resources and reducing flood and fire risk in Northern Colorado.
This visit underscores Congressman Gabe Evans’ ongoing commitment to advancing solutions that support Colorado jobs, protect natural resources, and strengthen the resilience of communities across the 8th District.