A. The presence of the mountain pine beetle and beetle infested trees presents a real and substantial risk to the health of the lodgepole forests located in and around the town.

B. The presence of the mountain pine beetle and beetle infested trees within the town also presents a real and substantial risk to the public health, safety and welfare in the form of an increased risk of a rapidly spreading fire, and a significant threat to the aesthetic values which are of great importance to the social and economic vitality of the town.

C. The presence of the mountain pine beetle and beetle infested trees within the town is predicted to result in lodgepole pine mortality rates of up to ninety five percent (95%) within the foreseeable future.

D. There exists a growing mountain pine beetle epidemic within the town which threatens the community and its valuable natural and scenic resources.

E. There exists an urgent need for a townwide policy to effectively manage the existing and future threats to public and private property caused by the mountain pine beetle and beetle infested trees. The provisions of this chapter reflect such a policy.

F. The provisions of this chapter are necessary in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

G. The inspection provisions contained in this chapter are necessary in the interest of public safety within the meaning of rule 241(b)(2)(II) of the Colorado municipal court rules of procedure. (Ord. 12, Series 2009)