One-Year Update: Building the Foundations for a Shared Vision

Roadway Treatments Tour, June 2025

by Josh Roberts, Mitigation Coordinator, Larimer County Office of Emergency Management

As we approach the one-year mark of the Red Feather Lakes Area Wildfire Defense Project, it’s a great moment to reflect on just how far we’ve come and how much momentum we’re building. Since the days of crafting the grant application this effort has been grounded in collaboration, careful planning and a shared commitment to defending our project communities and surrounding landscape from the threat of wildfire. Much of the work has taken place behind the scenes, but all of it has been essential. Now we are heading into an exciting new phase, nearly ready to begin implementing our first treatment and with a community evacuation drill also planned.

Over the past year we’ve put critical administrative agreements in place, convened a strong and diverse team of partners, spent quality time in each other’s communities, began updating Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) of surrounding communities, and have had countless handshakes and conversations that shaped our priorities and built alignment across lanes of effort and lines of property. The “Red Feather Lakes Wildfire Defense Advisory Team” has emerged as a truly collaborative force – linking property owners, communities, fire departments, local agencies and organizations, State & Federal partners, and more. None of this happened overnight. But we have such a strong foundation for a shared vision that is now becoming reality. It cannot be understated the especially powerful synergy we’re seeing across boundaries and sectors – government, non-profit, business and community – and how this work complements a broader vision shared by all and beyond.

As we look back and honor the ideas, determination and partnerships that brought us here, let’s also look forward with focus, energy and commitment to what’s ahead. We have four more years of important project work in front of us, filled with opportunities for meaningful engagement and real impact. Buckle up, we’re just getting started!

To learn more about the Red Feather Lakes Area Community Wildfire Defense Project click here >>