In a recent government meeting, the Runford Valley Wildfire Collaborative presented a critical wildfire mitigation project aimed at addressing the high risk of wildfires in the region. The collaborative, which includes various stakeholders such as fire districts, counties, and towns, emphasized the importance of data-driven planning to identify areas most susceptible to wildfires.

The presentation highlighted that 73% of the targeted area is at high or very high risk for wildfires, with the potential for rapid and intense fire spread that could pose significant threats to life and property. A demonstration fire conducted by local fire services illustrated the urgency of the situation, showing how quickly a fire could travel from Carbondale to Snowmass Village.

The proposed project involves a 300-acre treatment area near Sopris Mountain Ranch, where vegetation management will be implemented to enhance firebreaks and support ongoing efforts by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The collaborative seeks financial backing for this initiative, requesting $38,000 from a budgeted fire mitigation fund, which has $75,000 remaining from previous appropriations.

The board members expressed unanimous support for the project, recognizing its alignment with their budgetary provisions and the necessity of proactive measures to prevent devastating wildfires. The meeting concluded with plans to draft a letter of support for the project, ensuring that all stakeholders, including local residents, are kept informed about the developments.