Today’s Forest Health Outreach update covers the following:
*Forestry Tip of the Day: Wildfire Partner Myths – Apply Soon!
*$10,000 Prize– Encourage Your Neighbors to Apply
*Nederland and Allenspark Sort Yards Open in Early May
*Call for Applications: 2014 Boulder County Community Chipping Reimbursement Program

*Forestry Tip of the Day: Wildfire Partner Myths – Apply Soon!  
Forestry Tip of the Day: There are only three days left to apply to be a Wildfire Partner. Applications are due by end of day March 3, 2014. Apply online at www.WildfirePartners.org. Over 350 landowners have already signed up!

Today we thought we would try to dispel a few myths that have been circulating in the community.

Myth 1:  By joining Wildfire Partners I will be forced to take actions that I don’t want to take.

Our Thoughts: Wildfire Partners is a voluntary program. You will not be required to take any actions that you aren’t comfortable taking. The program is designed to help inform you about the wildfire risk on your property and to encourage voluntary action. We hope you will consider following our advice on how to create effective wildfire mitigation on your land but that decision remains yours.

Myth 2: By joining Wildfire Partners I will be forced to clear-cut my property.

Our Thoughts: We will not require you to cut down all of your trees on your property. A number of factors will determine which—if any—trees need to be removed from your home ignition zone (for many homes this zone extends 100 feet from the structure). A properly mitigated home will usually have a mix of clumps of trees, openings and isolated individual trees. Our Wildfire Mitigation Specialists will work with each homeowner to create a healthier forest that is more resilient and has a better chance at surviving the next wildfire.

With that said, if you want to receive a Wildfire Partners Certificate you will have to complete all the required actions identified on your customized wildfire mitigation report. The report will also include recommended/optional measures. Some landowner’s will be able to quickly complete all required items and others may take months to even years to finish. The speed that you completed your required actions is up to you. However, in order to guarantee your $300 rebate you need to complete all required actions listed in your report in 2014.

Make sure to apply by end of day next Monday, March 3, 2014. www.WildfirePartners.org

*$10,000 Prize– Encourage Your Neighbors to Apply
We are offering a $10,000 prize to the largest contiguous block of neighbors who apply to be Wildfire Partners. The $10,000 prize will be divided evenly among the winning team of neighbors. So get out there and talk to your neighbors about wildfire mitigation and encourage them to apply!

Complete details about the prize including eligibility requirements are available here:http://www.wildfirepartners.org/10000-prize/.

*Nederland and Allenspark Sort Yards Open in Early May
You spoke, and we listened… We are excited to announce a dramatically expanded sort yard operating season for 2014. Both the Nederland and the Meeker/Allenspark sort yards will be open 4 days per week, all summer long, from early May through October 18.

• Meeker/Allenspark – Opens: May 1 | Closes: Oct. 18
• Nederland – Opens: May 7 | Closes: Oct. 18
• Days of operation for both yards | Open: Wed. thru Sat. | Closed: Sun., Mon., and Tues. | Holiday Closure on July 4, 5

Spring snowfall might push back our opening dates. There may be additional closures during the season dependent upon weather, staff training and administrative requirements. Call 303-678-6368, before hauling a load of material, to ensure we are open.

*Call for Applications: 2014 Boulder County Community Chipping Reimbursement Program
Boulder County is offering financial assistance to encourage mountain communities to conduct community-based chipping days. One of the biggest obstacles homeowners face when managing their backyard forest is disposing of slash. This program helps addresses this problem and encourages community members to work together.

Reimbursement is only available for direct costs related to chipping or transportation of slash. It is not available for tree cutting. In 2013, the County awarded $17,500 to seven communities. Subject to prior approval, the County will reimburse up to 50% of direct costs up to a maximum of $4,000 per community. 

Visit www.BoulderCounty.org/ForestHealth to see complete program details and to download a community application form. Applications are due by March 24, 2014.

We encourage your community to apply today! Please share this email with other community members, community organizations and other who may be interested.

Cheers,
Ryan

Ryan Ludlow | Forestry Education & Outreach Coordinator 
Boulder County | Land Use Department
O: 720.564.2641 | F: 303.441.4856
rludlow@nullbouldercounty.org | www.bouldercounty.org/ForestHealth
*Please visit our website to join our Forest Health Outreach eNewsletter. Learn about upcoming forestry workshops, wildfire mitigation, bark beetle management tips and more!