FireWise Council Meeting Notes
Date of Meeting: April 14, 2005

Present: Dan Ochocki, Nicole Smith, Byard Peake, Pam Wilson, Laurie Robison, Ron Tyner, Joy Mathis, Kristie Borchesr

Great discussion centered around whether or not to develop a local recognition program – landscape-based – for subdivisions reducing wildfire risks.

Action Items
1. Dan Ochocki and Dan Noonan would attend the Falls Creek May 21st meeting (I’m not sure if Dan Noonan already committed or has yet to be asked). Was Dan Ochocki also going to invite Ted Talmon?

2. Fire Council will further develop the idea of a fall workshop for subdivisions on ‘How to Write a Community Wildfire Protection Plan’ – fits in with La Plata plans, as a group – answer questions that continue to come up. Many different speakers.

3. The Ambassador Committee will determine appropriate recognition for Ambassadors who have reached Level I, Level II – what that looks like.

4. Dan Ochocki currently does subdivision reviews, which essentially identifies the requirements in the Colorado FireWise program. Is there a way to develop this into more of a “suggested guidelines” or “something to strive for” ? Further fluff out this idea.

5. Fire Council will send a letter to the Colorado State Forest Service, urging to continue program of FireWise, more stringent requirements than the national program. Also cc letter to National FireWise. Can encourage sister Fire Council organizations in state of Colorado to do the same.

6. Falls Creek is welcome to pursue the national designation, at their discretion.

Miscellaneous
Joy Mathis expressed concern that Fire Council should become its own 501(c)3 – tabled to a full-Council meeting.