Congressman Gabe Evans welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Colorado’s 8th Congressional District for discussions and site visits focused on water supply, wildfire management, and forest stewardship in Northern Colorado, according to an April 2 announcement.
The visit took place as Colorado faces severe drought conditions, declining snowpack, and increased wildfire risk—issues that affect local communities, agriculture, and 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 said.
Evans led discussions with Secretary Burgum alongside local and state leaders—including representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Geological Survey, Poudre Heritage Alliance, and Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed—focusing on how drought conditions intersect with wildfire risk. They addressed how reduced water supply can increase fire danger in 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,” said Doug Burgum.
Beth Bullard, Executive Director of the Poudre Heritage Alliance said: “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.”
A significant part of their discussion focused on forest stewardship amid mountain pine beetle infestations along the Front Range. Local leaders emphasized removing dead trees as key for reducing wildfire risk. Matt McCombs, State Forester and Director of the Colorado State Forest Service said: “The ongoing mountain pine beetle outbreak is hitting some of the Front Range’s most populated and high-risk areas… I appreciate Congressman Evans for helping open up conversations with leaders like Secretary Burgum… When we work together, we can ensure Coloradans have a more resilient future where we don’t find ourselves this vulnerable ever again.”
During their tour along the Poudre River corridor they observed habitat restoration efforts aimed at improving water quality while strengthening environmental resilience against flood or fire risks.
This visit highlights Representative Gabe Evans’ continued focus on supporting jobs in Colorado while protecting natural resources throughout his district.