The Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program works to reduce wildfire risks along ditch corridors and waterways. These areas support wildlife and farming but can also spread fire if not properly managed.
Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program
Program Objectives
Risk
Reduction
Identify and reduce hazardous fuel buildup, especially near homes, towns, and critical infrastructure.
Stakeholder
Coordination
Build and maintain cooperative relationships with ditch companies, homeowner associations, municipalities, state and federal resource agencies, and other land management partners.
Ecological
Balance
Carry out treatments that maintain or improve wildlife habitat and ecosystem function while prioritizing public safety.
Sustainable
Operations
Develop a long-term maintenance plan to prevent hazardous fuels from accumulating in ditch corridors.
Program Actions
The county is taking a proactive approach to address the issue of dried fuels that have built up along ditches over decades. We are removing these fuels to reduce risk to the community.
Methods used for mitigation may include:
- Removing woody material and taking it offsite.
- Chipping and spreading of wood material onsite.
- Applying biological treatments, such as fungal inoculation (mycelium), to speed up decomposition.
- Using targeted livestock grazing, such as goats, to reduce fine fuels.
- Thinning and removing old slash piles.
- Using prescribed fire where feasible.
Report a Concern
Let us know of any wildfire concerns or issues along ditches or waterways in Boulder County.
Background
The program was created in response to the increasing threat of wildfires in the area. The Marshall Fire revealed the need to manage fuels along the plains and eastern Boulder County. The program is run by Boulder County Parks & Open Space and funded by the 2022 1A Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax.
The program will apply adaptive management practices, incorporating monitoring results, stakeholder feedback, and emerging best practices into ongoing operations.
The program is committed to working collaboratively with ditch companies, municipalities, and landowners to implement wildfire mitigation activities in ditch corridors. Properties do not need to be owned or managed by Boulder County to be eligible.
Contact Us
Parks & Open Space
David Garcia
dgarcia@bouldercounty.gov
303-678-6172