Forrest G. Burns served on the Rocky Mountain Farmer's Union board for several years, is a charter member of the Colorado Wheat Growers Association and a member of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association. Burns served in the House of Representatives from 1957 to 1981. He served on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Education Committee. Burns chaired the Agriculture Committee for 12 years and the Education Committee for two years during his tenure. He was instrumental in getting water legislation for permanent water in the John Martin Dam. Burns was successful in purchasing the Two Buttes Area for recreation in Baca County. He carried the bill for Gasohol Legislation to convert grain to fuel, and was instrumental in eliminating the property tax on agricultural equipment.