Starting in 2009, I have been involved in a variety of wildfire risk reduction activities in the Spanish Peaks region of south central Colorado. Key projects include CWPP development and implementation, as well as public outreach, education, and engagement. The key public outreach programs being promoted here are; Firewise USA, “Ready, Set, Go!” and Fire Adapted Communities. Currently, I am the Wildfire Preparedness Coordinator for Huerfano County Colorado.

I am also working to establish and cultivate Firewise Communities, implement fuels reduction projects and increase emergency response capabilities. Expanding and maintaining a broad spectrum network of colleagues, consultants and mentors has been a big key to our successes. In particular, active collaborations with our State and Federal partners have been essential for overcoming the social and economic challenges of this area.

Currently, my efforts are focused on Pre-Fire Attack planning/mapping, expanding our local Federal grant managment capabilities, managing fuels reduction projects, developing a county-wide CWPP and preparations for the adoption of the ICC WUI Code .

For the long term, I hope to continue participating in the creation of a Spanish Peaks Firewise Council for home/land owners, as well as a regionally focused interagency wildfire mitigation and response network. Thus far our endeavors in this regard have been truly inspiring.