August 18, 2023
Marshall Fire Recovery Newsletter – Aug. 18, 2023
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Notice of Determination letters have been mailed
The Assessor’s Office has completed the review of property appeals and Notices of Determination have been mailed to property owners. If you did not receive your Notice of Determination, please contact the Assessor’s Office at Assessor@bouldercounty.gov or 303-441-3530 and we will provide you a copy by mail or email.
If after receiving your Notice of Determination you are still concerned about your property value, please file an appeal with the County Board of Equalization so that your property value can be reviewed again. Information on how to file your appeal is included with your Notice.
County Board of Equalization Contact Information:Email: boe@bouldercounty.govPhone: 303-441-4590
Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety and Boulder County to host online info session
The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety (DRMS) will soon begin mitigation of the Lewis Coal Mine Fire (Lewis Site), located in unincorporated Boulder County, in order to complete the project by spring 2024. DRMS has been monitoring the site and recently observed increased activity from the underground coal mine fire, which has burned for more than 50 years.
Marshall Site
Recent testing and ongoing monitoring indicate lesser fire activity has been recorded at the Marshall coal mine fire, located nearby and under City of Boulder open space, and mitigation work is tentatively scheduled for next year. DRMS monitoring will continue at the City of Boulder site. The Lewis Site mitigation will not impact the county or city’s open space.
DRMS and Boulder County will host an online information session on Monday, Aug. 28, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. where community members can find out more about the project.
Read more about mitigation work and register to attend the information session.
New mitigation efforts: Wildfire Partners launches countywide community chipping program
Boulder County is taking a significant leap forward in its commitment to community safety and environmental stewardship by launching a countywide Wildfire Partners Community Chipping Program. The program will support all county residents with managing the high-risk vegetation on their properties, fostering a safer, cleaner, and more fire-resilient environment for all.
Boulder County recognizes the pressing need for proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk. The county chipping program will offer free chipping services to all residents, allowing them to dispose of slash — green branches, and brush — in a safe and sustainable manner. This helps create defensible space around properties, reducing the potential for fire to spread. Read more about the new community chipping program.
FAQs updated regarding sales and use tax refund for rebuilding after a declared wildfire disaster
The Sales Use Tax Exemption Wildfire Disaster Construction Act (HB23-1240) creates a refundable exemption for the state sales and use tax paid for construction and building materials used directly in rebuilding or repairing a qualified homeowner's qualified residential structure due to a declared wildfire disaster between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2022. The state has updated their FAQ page regarding this refund.
Grassland management in Boulder County story map now available
The Boulder County Fireshed’s Grasslands Working Group recently released a story map report titled "Grassland Management in Boulder County: Challenges and Opportunities Following the Marshall Fire."
The Boulder County Fireshed includes government land managers, scientists, fire districts, non-profit organizations, and local leaders working to reduce wildfire risk to communities in Boulder County. The Grasslands Working Group was formed by the Fireshed in response to the Marshall Fire so that a specific focus could be given to grassland wildfire mitigation information, communication, and collaboration efforts. Learn more about the grassland management story map.
Provide input on Boulder County's Community Wildfire Protection Plan
To identify and prioritize measures to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure in the wildland urban interface, the Boulder Colorado Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Core Team is partnering with the City of Boulder and Mountain View Fire Protection District as a unified effort in updating all of their CWPPs and is hosting open houses with stakeholders from city, county, municipal, and state experts. These events and an online survey are for residents and community leaders to learn and provide input into all the CWPPs. Provide input via the survey or attend a community open house.
Upcoming Meetings
Survivor to Survivor ForumTuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.Online – registration required
Mechanics of Rebuilding Your DwellingWednesday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m.Online – registration required
Emergency Planning and Preparedness (for City of Boulder residents 60+ or residents under 60 with a disability)Thursday, Aug. 24, 10-11:30 a.m.Online – registration required
Boulder County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Open HouseLafayette, Erie, Mountain View FPD, North Metro (Zone B)Where: Town of Erie Townhall (subject to change) 645 Holbrook St., ErieWhen: Wednesday, August 30, 6-7:30 p.m.
Group EMDRThursdays, Aug. 24, and 31 from noon to 1:30 p.m.This 90 minute virtual group is designed to help increase your sense of balance, calm and ability to manage disturbing thoughts, feelings, and memories. You will be asked to draw and/or write phrases while practicing bi-lateral tapping techniques to support your nervous system to process your experiences.Online - registration required
Information/Resources
Rebates, Discounts, and Incentives
Boulder County Rebuilding Better
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The latest information and resources are located on the Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery website or contact Katie Arrington, Assistant Recovery Manager for Boulder County, karrington@bouldercounty.org