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application using the Action Plan for guidance and then observed and commented to the CSFS selected evaluation team at a meeting on August 10th. The formal evaluation team consisted of representatives from the CSFS, USFS, BLM, local governments, and the timber industry. Prior to this meeting CWCB staff had identified approximately 20 applications that appeared to have high to moderate water supply protection benefits. While we did not submit scores to the evaluation team staffs selections closely matched those of the formal evaluation team. As noted above 12 applications were ultimately selected for funding. The particular details of those applications can be addressed by CSFS representatives or CWCB staff if the Board desires. Generally the projects involve reducing fuels and creating fire breaks in areas already impacted by beetle infestation or other forest health issues. Some involve direct protection of water supply infrastructure from fire threats. As the Action Plan reported there is no short-term method of preventing the spread of beetle infestation, all efforts need to be directed toward mitigating the impacts in areas already attacked or likely to soon be. The main strategy for protecting watersheds is to reduce the risk of high intensity, very hot fires, which destroy the soil capacity to absorb water and regenerate naturally. The City of Grand Junction will describe the particulars of their restoration project and the direct relationship it has to protecting their domestic water supply. Related matters: . The Colorado House delegation and Sen. Allard and Salazar have introduced the Colorado Forest management Improvement Act of 2007, HR. 3072 and S. 1797. The bill would "facilitate the development and implementation of community wildfire protection plans ... to reduce the threat severe wildfires" through collaboration with federal, state, and local governments. . The US Forest Service recently announced a $2 million and an $8 million funding allocation to address beetle infestation mitigation in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. The USFS has established an "incident team" to attack this problem, much like they organize to fight wildfires. . On Aug. 27, 2007 staff participated in the annual "Colorado Timber Tour" sponsored by the Colorado Timber Industry Association which focused on bark beetle damage and mitigation and included a tour of a USFS fuels reduction / fire break project in Frisco which is designed to reduce the potential for intense wildfire and provides protection to the town and Dillon Reservoir. Staff Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation. However the Finance Sub-Committee has reviewed an application from the CSFS for an additional $4 million to support another 4 years of the CFR program. It may be appropriate for the Board to discuss that application during this agenda item. Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning 2