Wildfire Mitigation Projects
Community Wildfire Prevention Implementation Plan
The City is working with specialists to develop a Community Wildfire Prevention Implementation Plan (CWPIP). The CWPIP will address the mitigation needs of open space parcels over the next three years.
The final CWPIP will provide annual treatment recommendations, including tactics such as mowing, plans for initial mechanical treatments, and recommendations for mechanical re-treatments in future years. Treatment priorities will be based on considerations such as proximity to homes, "critical infrastructure," continuity and volume of fuels, and topographic features.
The CWPIP will be completed by the spring of 2024 and will be used to determine the open space parcels that will receive mitigation work in 2024.
Additionally, the City received a Colorado State Forest Service wildfire mitigation grant. This award will supplement the funds required to provide mitigation to City-maintained open spaces over the next few years.
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS
Daniels Gate Road and Griggs Road
The City conducted mechanical wildfire mitigation work in open space near Daniels Gate Road and Grigs Road. This work began in November 2023 and continued for approximately six weeks.
This mitigation work included creating oak mosaics. By strategically thinning or removing some oak trees and underbrush, mosaic treatment can create natural firebreaks. These firebreaks can slow the spread of wildfires, giving firefighters a better chance to control the blaze and protect the community. This method also preserves scenic areas while implementing fire mitigation measures.
Mechanical mitigation efforts occurED in open space near Grigs Road and Daniels Gate Road.
Monarch Blouvard and Briar Cliff Drive
In the summer of 2023, the City contracted with Goats on the Go- Denver South to conduct targeted goat grazing mitigation. This wildfire mitigation initiative utilized targeted goat grazing to manage 8.5 acres of scrub oak vegetation. This eco-friendly approach effectively reduced fuel loads, created natural firebreaks, and controlled invasive species.
Scrub oak vegetation can serve as potential fuel for wildfires due to its dry and easily ignitable nature. Targeted goat grazing helps reduce the amount of available fuel by selectively consuming low-lying vegetation, dead plant material, and grasses. This reduces the overall fuel load, making it more difficult for fires to spread and intensify.
FAQs
What is mechanical wildfire mitigation?
Mechanical wildfire mitigation involves using heavy machinery to clear, thin, or modify vegetation in fire-prone areas to reduce the risk of wildfires.
The City's focus is to use mosaic treatments, which allow for a more nuanced approach, preserving scenic areas while implementing fire mitigation measures.
Why is it necessary?
Mechanical wildfire mitigation is necessary to create defensible spaces, reduce fuel loads, and protect lives, property, and the environment from the devastating impacts of wildfires.
How does it work?
Machinery like bulldozers, mulchers, and chainsaws are used to create firebreaks, remove flammable vegetation, and manage overgrown areas, preventing the rapid spread of wildfires.
Mosaic treatments are part of a broader strategy of fire adaptation, which aims to create landscapes and communities that are more resilient to wildfires. By reducing the risk of catastrophic fires, mosaic treatments contribute to overall fire-adapted ecosystems.
What are the benefits?
Mechanical mitigation enhances community safety, protects property, reduces the intensity of wildfires, and promotes overall fire resilience. It's a proactive measure to prevent wildfire disasters.
Mechanical fire mitigation also benefits firefighters. When communities have created defensible spaces and reduced fuel loads, it becomes safer for firefighters to defend homes and properties during a wildfire.
What is the difference between mechanical mitigation and goat mitigation?
Wildfire mitigation tactics using goats and mechanical methods are both valuable approaches, but they differ significantly in how they reduce wildfire risks and impact the environment.
Goats offer a more natural and selective approach, which is well-suited for smaller areas and sensitive ecosystems.
Mechanical methods, on the other hand, are more rapid and extensive, making them suitable for large-scale projects.
