In service of the City Council's strategic goals and priorities, the City has developed a grant program to support the community by providing financial resources to eligible community members to conduct wildfire mitigation projects and reduce the risk of wildfire in the community.
History of Wildfire Mitigation in Castle Pines
The City of Castle Pines began strategic mitigation efforts in 2022, which included collaborating with the Castle Pines North Metro District and various Homeowner Associations to reduce hazardous wildfire fuels in high-priority areas utilizing goat mitigation. These efforts successfully treated 25 acres of gamble oak over a five-month period.
The City also hosted two Slash events at Elk Ridge Park in 2022, where residents have the opportunity to drop off yard debris for free.
As wildfire mitigation efforts continue, the City encourages the community to participate in efforts to keep the community safe and reduce the risk of wildfire.
Importance of Fire Mitigation
The Douglas County Hazard Mitigation Plan has identified wildfire as the top risk in Castle Pines, and the Colorado State Forest Service has identified Castle Pines within Colorado’s Wildland-Urban Interface. These identifications indicate the need for wildfire mitigation in order to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildland fire hazards and protect the community.
Grant Details
Homeowner associations (HOAs) and individual residents can apply for wildfire mitigation funding. The City will accept funding requests for up to $5,000 from an HOA and up to $250 from a resident. All funding requests require a minimum match of 50% from all applicants. However, providing a higher match percentage will score higher.
This means that if a resident has a wildfire mitigation project expected to cost $500 or more, they would be eligible to ask for the full $250 of City funds.
Additional Information
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- Projects must focus on open space and vegetation mitigation
- Any planted plants must be of a species on the approved South Metro Fire Rescue Wildfire Resistant Plant List
- South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) must support the application to be awarded funding
- Participating in Slash Mulch programs to dispose of any wood materials, tree limbs, shrubs, or brush is strongly encouraged
- If your project is selected, funds will be reimbursed. In order to receive reimbursement, a final report, before and after pictures, and receipts must be submitted
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2023 Funding Cycle Timeline
March 24, 2023: Applications Open
May 14, 2023 at midnight: Applications Close
End of May: Notice of Awards Issued
December 31, 2023: Project must be completed and final report must be submitted
FAQs
Who can apply for a community wildfire mitigation grant?
Homeowner associations and individual Castle Pines residents can apply for this grant. However, the applicant must be a Castle Pines community member, and the project must occur within the City of Castle Pines boundaries.
If I don't apply this cycle, will I have an opportunity to apply again?
In alignment of the City Councils strategic goals, it is anticipated that funding will be allocated yearly to continue to fund community wildfire grants. It is expected that this grant program will continue in 2024, and community members will have an opportunity to apply next year.
How much is budgeted to finance these projects in 2023?
$25,000 is budgeted in 2023 to fund community wildfire mitigation projects!
How can I learn more about how I can protect my home from wildfire?
Be sure to watch the 2022 Wildfire Safety Series, and reach out to South Metro Fire Rescue for a home risk survey.
Guidelines, Application, and Final Report
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- Community Wildfire Grant Guidelines
- In-Kind Contribution Form- to be included in any final reports with donations or volunteer hours as part of their match.
Applications
Applications are due no later than May 14, 2023, at midnight for the 2023 funding cycle. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2023.
Final Report
A final report is required to receive reimbursement at the pre-approved percentage of the total project cost. A combined PDF file that contains the below form, a copy of reimbursable receipts, and the in-kind contribution form (if applicable) is required. Before and after photos must be included on the report, as well as emailed as separate files at the time of submission.
For printable pdf versions, please select the following documents: HOA Application, Resident Application, HOA Final Report, and Resident Final Report.
Application Resources
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- Wildfire Resistant Plan List- Approved plan species for any plants to be planted
- Douglas County Slash Mulch Program- It is strongly encouraged that the community participate in Slash Mulch programs to dispose of plant materials
- Colorado State Forest Services FireWise Plant Materials- Approved plant species from Colorado State
- Colorado State Forest Services Fire-Resistant Landscaping- Natural Resources Series article from Colorado State
- Colorado State Forest Services The Home Iginition Zone- A guide from Colorado State to prepare your home for wildfire and creating defensible spaces
Additional Wildfire Risk Reduction Resources
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- South Metro Fire Wildfire Home Assessment- survey to find out the level of wildfire risk for your home
- "Six Lessons for All of Us from the Marshall Fire"- South Metro Fire Rescue's Risk Reduction Specialist written article
- Contact the South Metro Fire Rescue Preparedness Division for wildfire reduction questions or for a home assessment.
- ReducingRisk@southmetro.org or 720-989-2271
City of Castle Pines Wildfire Mitigation Events
City Slash Collection
Free slash (tree limbs, pruning, and pine needles) collection event. Bring your slash to Elk Ridge Park for free disposal.
June 3 @ 9 am- 2 pm, Elk Ridge Park
Check back for information on the awarded projects after the 2023 funding cycle has closed.