Forest Service "collaborates" for more money

Collaboration among Colorado water providers, private corporations and the federal government to pay for forest projects that preserve drinking water supplies could provide a funding model for the rest of the country, the agriculture undersecretary who oversees the U.S. Forest Service said Wednesday. The Forest Service in past years has persuaded Vail Resorts Inc. and other companies, along with Denver Water and other utilities, to commit dollars and employees to restore watersheds that provide much of Colorado's drinking water. The agency has reached out to the recreation industry and private companies to contribute. Vail Resorts Inc. and MillerCoors have had employees work on restoration projects. More than 20 ski areas have asked customers to pay a lift-ticket surcharge that benefits the National Forest Foundation, the congressionally created nonprofit partner of the Forest Service. In an era of tight budgets, Sherman said, the Forest Service also is talking with utilities and insurance companies, which have an interest in preventing devastating wildfires that could damage power lines or homes...more