Wildfire Matters Review Committee Tours Jeffco Mitigation Project, East Troublesome Fire Recovery Area
JEFFERSON & GRAND COUNTIES – Today members of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee concluded a two day field trip where they met with emergency response officials and toured a wildfire mitigation project in Jefferson County and the East Troublesome Fire recovery area in Grand County.
“As Chair of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, I want to ensure the state is a strong partner in wildfire mitigation and response efforts,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Getting a firsthand look at the emergency response systems and projects to protect our forests not only puts into perspective the impact of the funding that the legislature allocates each year, but also underscores the ongoing need for resources."
"In Jeffco, we learned about the multi-faceted emergency management system and toured Alderfer/Three Sisters Park. The forest management project conducted in the park has brought the forest closer to its natural condition and will create biodiversity and long-term resiliency against future wildfires. We also visited Grand County, where they shared with us their impressive work on the East Troublesome Fire, highlighted cross-agency and community partnerships and reiterated the need for sustainable funding as wildfires become increasingly more unpredictable resource intensive," Cutter continued.
“Dry conditions and a warming climate are exacerbating the threat of future wildfires,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “That’s why we need to make sure Colorado is as prepared as possible to respond to wildfires that we know will be destructive and difficult to extinguish. I was glad to gain an understanding of how Grand County is prepared to respond to wildfires and protect community members. We can learn so many lessons from the wildfires of the past few years, and I’m determined to make sure the state is doing its part to make sure we’re implementing those lessons and preparing well for the future.”
Yesterday, the committee participated in a wildfire tabletop exercise that replayed Jefferson County’s response to this summer’s Quarry Fire. The exercise at the Jefferson County Emergency Management Office demonstrated emergency response tactics and familiarized committee members with the unique challenges of fighting wildfires along the Front Range. Following the exercise, members participated in a roundtable on the impact of state funding to reduce wildfire risk.
The committee then joined Jefferson County Parks and Conservation officials and a member of Evergreen Fire Rescue for a walking tour of a forest management project at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park aimed at making the forest more resilient to wildfires and protecting its long-term ecological health while protecting nearby communities.
The field trip continued today with a presentation from Grand County Fire Chief Brad White on wildfire response tactics and prevention methods. Following the presentation, the trip concluded with a tour of the recovery area from the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.
Last month, the Wildfire Matters Review Committee advanced five bills to bolster the forestry workforce and improve wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.