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Introduction Background Colorado's rich natural resources, breathtaking scen- ery and sharp contrasts in terrain and climate are leg. timony to the diversity and severity of the state's geologic setting. This exceptional natural landscape, however, increases the potential for conflict between the natural and man-made environments and contrib. utes to the overall vulnerability of the state's popula- tion to injury or loss from natural hazards. The historical attraction of communities to rivers, scenic mountainsides and other natural features of the Colo- rado environment has led to inevitable losses of lives and investments when extraordinary natural events take place. In many cases, population growth and land development activities have undermined the structural integrity of the natural environment. 'The increasing expansion of commercial and residential development in potentially hazardous areas provides justification for a strong state role in managing an overall strategy for reducing hazard losses statewide. All too often, the benefits of implementing preventive measures at one location are more than offset by care. less development and poor planning elsewhere. In the last ten years, state and local government and private parties have suffered significant physical and finan- cial tosses from natural disasters -- flooding on the Western Slope, wildfires along the Front Range, drought in the High Plains, and earthflows and other geologic hazards throughout the mountain region _ resulting in adverse impacts to the state's environ- ment, infrastructure and the economy and to public health and safety. Nevertheless, opportunities exist to implement mitigation measures in a timely and comprehensive fashion as funding is obtained and pro- jects are prioritized. The repetitive and potentially catastrophic nature of these threats underscores the need for a pennanent state organization, supported by working groups representing the various levels and responsibilities of government as well as academic and private interests, to focus the attention of state government on natural hazard mitigation issues. On March 23, 1989, Governor Romer signed an execu- tive order establishing the Colorado Natural Hazards Mitigation Council (CNHMC). The Hazards Council was created to coordinate statewide efforts to reduce the physical and financial impacts of natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, ava- lanches and drought. The Governor has appointed or- ganizations and groups to fill the official and - ---l IWn Coltan1 at ''Kidr Off MutingH ex-official positions within the council. All members serve a term of two years with reappointment at the pleasure of the Cklvernor. The Council Chairman is David 'Thomas, Jefferson County District Attorney and fonner Director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety. The Executive Director is Robert L. Kistner, Color&do Office of Emergency Management (QE~Il. The Council meets twice a year and focuses on natural hazard mitigation issues of both immediate and long- term concern. The Council evaluates, prioritizes and implements mitigation measures based on a variety of 1