Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County is in the process of developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan to help mitigate the impact of future wildfires. The plan will contain recommendations for policies, programs, and other actions to reduce the negative effects of wildfires.

The county and its partners are seeking resident input in the form of recommendations to be included in the CWPP and volunteers to serve on the CWPP Advisory Team.

“This is an excellent opportunity for community members who want to make a difference in the aftermath of the Fourmile Canyon Fire,” said Brett Haberstick, Sunshine Fire Protection District Chief and CWPP team member. “Being involved in groups like the CWPP Advisory Team can translate into fewer homes lost and more lives saved during the next fire.”

Recommendations
Guidelines and a submission form are available online. “County residents have many good ideas for how best to protect their community,” said Jim Webster, Community Wildfire Protection Planner in the Boulder County Land Use Department. “We want the plan to include new, original ideas from residents.”

Advisory Team
The team will collect and prioritize the recommendations that are submitted. “In order to be successful, our planning process needs to engage a large number of residents,” Webster said. “Many people would like to serve on a board or committee, but they have never been asked. We are asking interested residents to volunteer for this effort and help their community.”

Members of the advisory team must attend four Wednesday night meetings and complete clearly defined “homework” assignments over a four-month period. More information and application instructions are also available online. No previous wildfire experience is required.

Recommendations and advisory team applications will be accepted until Jan. 12.
SOURCE: BOULDER COUNTY PRESS RELEASE