Benefits & Challenges of Firewise Communities/USA ® Courtney Peterson Colorado State Forest Service March 27, 2015

csfs.colostate.edu The CSFS The CSFS is a fuels mitigation resource for landowners, homeowners and communities The CSFS is the state liaison for the Firewise Communities/USA ® program The mission of the CSFS is to achieve stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations.

csfs.colostate.edu Firewise Communities/USA® National recognition program A tool to educate your neighbors about Firewise practices Colorado is on the national scale 116 total communities 3 rd in nation for total number of communities

csfs.colostate.edu Firewise Communities/USA® Five requirements to become recognized: – Start a Firewise Board – Complete a wildfire risk assessment and action plan – Spend $2 per capita on Firewise – Hold a Firewise event once per year – Fill out an application at and send to: Courtney Peterson Colorado State Forest Service 5060 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO

csfs.colostate.edu Benefits & Challenges Benefits Fire Adapted Communities Tool for learning about wildfire Framework for action Community-building and collaboration Publicity Grant eligibility Challenges Community size On-going process and continuous maintenance Colorado’s diverse ecosystems Spreading the word

csfs.colostate.edu Other Resources Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (CO-WRAP) CSFS Publications CSFS Natural Resources and Grants Assistance Database

Questions? Thank you!