Our project is part of a larger effort to reduce wildfire risk and increase preparedness among Colorado residents at greatest risk from wildfire. The project builds on an existing collaboration with the Salida Field Office of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS).

Together with CSFS, we seek to expand this research into two high-risk, rapidly developing areas. In Chaffee County, CSFS has struggled to engage residents along the Shavano Front; reaching this expanding population is critical. In Lake County, CSFS is currently helping update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), and key community leaders have expressed interest in collaborating with CSFS to address private property wildfire risk. Research in the Greater Leadville study area would allow CSFS to expand their service area while also supporting CWPP activities. In summary, this project is an opportunity for CSFS to further connect, share expertise, and expand their outreach—and to do so using evidence-based strategies.

• Building shared understanding and finalizing study area

  Additional Info

  This co-productive project involves researchers and practitioners in an iterative process in which they develop shared understanding, accounting for the evolving social, ecological, and policy landscapes related to the project. Using this process we will finalize the exact project study area.

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  Location

  in colorado

  Leadville

  Dates

  3/15/2022 - 5/1/2024

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

• Inclusion of manufactured home park residents in wildfire mitigation and preparedness in Lake County, Colorado

  Additional Info

  This project activity leverages the project here with additional support from a FEMA grant to implement a follow-up survey in the three manufactured home parks (MHPs) in Lake County Colorado study site. Survey were delivered by the Leadville Fire Department Fire Marshall to residents in the three MHPs to solicit information about evacuation preparedness among MHP residents. Wildfires increasingly threaten mountainous wildland urban-interface communities. Among the most vulnerable are manufactured home park (MHP) residents, who can face unique wildfire risks due to the combined effects of residents’ high social vulnerability and their homes’ high wildfire susceptibility. The complexity of property ownership and densely situated structures in MHPs creates barriers to implementation of some of the most fundamental wildfire risk mitigation activities, thus elevating the importance of MHP resident wildfire preparedness. Given these socioeconomic and physical complexities, preparedness outreach—as well as research on the topic—demands extra consideration. Results from this effort will be delivered directly to project partners at the Colorado State Forest Service and Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue and integrated into the broader project results.

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  Location

  in colorado

  Leadville

  Dates

  10/1/2023 - 1/31/2024

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

• Rapid Risk Assessment and Household survey

  Additional Info

  Rapid Risk ASsessment data were collected for 790 parcels in Lake County Colorado and 560 parcels in Chaffee County Colorado as a part of this project. Data were summarized and shared to project partners who will use the data to guide investments in outreach and education efforts prioritizing residences in highest risk areas; to summarize wildfire risk in grant proposals; and to prioritize investments in fuels treatments on lands adjacent to high risk communities.

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  Location

  Dates

  7/1/2023 - 5/31/2024

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  No charge to attend/participate in activity or program