Firewise Council of Southwest Colorado

City of Durango Firewise Program:   Kevin Hall, Development Manager for the City of Durango’s Parks and Recreation Department,  outlined activities the City is undertaking with its “Firewise Durango” program.  He gave a handout (available upon request) that showed the number of acres they have treated in the Wildland Urban Interface and other projects.  The City accepts yard waste which encourages residents to do mitigation. It was mentioned that we need to recruit Ambassadors in high risk City neighborhoods.    Also, it was suggested that perhaps a partnership could be developed with the City around their clean ups to promote more mitigation.  

Firewise Council Operating Guidelines:   The group went through recommended changes to the Firewise Council’s operating procedures. A sub-committee of JT Coyne, Karola, Harry and Marsha looked at the previous procedures developed in November of 2003 and suggested revisions which were detailed in the meeting. A final draft will be brought to the July meeting so everyone can review them one more time before approval.

A brief history was given: formation of the Firewise Council was suggested by fire chiefs in La Plata and was a stated goal in the 2002 Community Fire Plan (which has since been revised and is now called the Community Wildfire Protection Plan).  At an April 2003 national Firewise conference held in Durango, this idea was again discussed and an enthusiastic group started the regional Firewise Council in June of ’03.  Since then, the Council’s programs have centered around: education, advocacy, the Ambassador program, and promoting “on the ground” mitigation endeavors.  The  Council’s meeting membership and attendance has evolved. Most recently, more and more Ambassadors are attending meetings (which is great and welcomed!).  At times, the Council has taken positions on public issues such as the La Plata County Draft Land Use Code and taken votes when necessary. However, most work is done through discussion and concensus.    Thus, the new guidelines needed revised to clarify who is a member and who is not.    Harry emphasized that anyone is always welcome to attend meetings whether they are officially on the Council or not.  

Ambassador Program Update:   An update on the Ambassador program was given by Marsha:

Missionary Ridge June Events: Joy Mathis gave a report on the upcoming Missionary Ridge Commemorative Event. The Firewise Council, via Joy and Ambassador Leslie Melton, are spear-heading a project to get 500 people to sign a preparedness pledge over the three-day weekend.   Also, the pledge will be on the Web Site and can be downloaded by Ambassadors and used as they see fit: www.missionaryridgefire.org  The Firewise Council will have a booth on Sunday, June 10th at the Fairgrounds teaming up with the USFS/BLM.  An email went out on this yesterday, Joy said. She asked everyone to help promote it.   

Animas City Mountain Fire Mitigation Work:  Joy brought up an article written by the Columbine USFS District Ranger, Pauline Ellis on the Animas City wildfire mitigation work currently proposed. Joy announced an open house is coming up on this and asked Firewise Council members to participate.  Joy suggested we should support such efforts because they increase community safety.

Red Zone Updates: Karola and Harry gave updates on Red Zone. Surveying is starting. The Upper Pine Fire Protection District, working with the Southwest Conservation Corps, recently surveyed 700 homes in seven days.  For new members present, the Red Zone software program was explained.  Maureen said that she is still concerned about the privacy issues and what is happening with the information.  The need for this tool and its benefits in fighting fires has to be balanced with the privacy issues, most agreed.    Karola said that in surveying the homes so far, some residents did raise this issue and with good public relations on the part of the surveyors, most residents’ concerns were addressed. Harry reminded everyone a property owner can decline the survey.   Jigger asked for a schedule of when the rest of the county would be surveyed so Ambassadors can help.   This request will be made to Bill Ball, the Red Zone project manager.

La Plata County Draft Land Use Code: Marsha stated that at a previous Firewise Council meeting, it was agreed that the Council would support the provisions in the draft Code that address wildfire mitigation in new developments and drive way standards. The Commissioners are currently undergoing study sessions with planning staff.    When public hearings occur on the Code, everyone will be informed of the format, date and location via email.

Announcements:  * The next meeting is July 17th.  *  Harry announced that Susan Franzheim, an interested citizen,  has provided the Firewise Council with materials about bark beetles. The materials were made available to any interested persons who attended the meeting. *   It was also announced Dan Noonan is the new Fire Chief for the Durango Fire and Rescue Authority.