On Monday, Gov. Jared Polis announced the recipients of the 2023-24 Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation grants. Thirty-one projects over 17 counties were awarded a total of $7.2 million from the Colorado State Forest Service to aid in their efforts to prevent wildfires.
“Colorado is a leader in wildfire prevention, mitigation and response and we continue working to ensure our communities have the resources they need. This new support will protect people, homes, and infrastructure and reduce wildfire threats,” Polis said.
The grants require a match by the applicants. In socially vulnerable communities, the requirement is 25% while other communities are required to match the funds at 50%. The total match for this year amounted to $8 million and will provide over $15 million in funding to treat 3.715 acres of forests and communities across Colorado, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The grants will fund projects in Boulder, Chaffee, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Garfield, Grand, Huerfano, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Montezuma, Park, Pitkin and Routt counties. Of the 31 projects receiving funding, 11 are located in areas with fewer economic resources. Review a full list of awardees.
“These local grants play an important role in protecting lives, property and the Colorado way of life,” said Matt McCombs, state forester and CSFS director. “The need for these resources, to ensure resilient forests and lower the risk of wildfire across the state, cannot be overstated.”
