COSWAP Press Conference
Jefferson Conservation District Receives COSWAP Grant Funding for Wildfire Mitigation and Watershed Protection
In a resolute effort to fortify Colorado's defenses against the looming threat of wildfires, the Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) has secured significant funding from Colorado’s Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) grant. This funding injection comes as part of Governor Jared Polis' announcement of $6.5 million in grants from COSWAP during a recent press conference held in Denver on February 15, 2024.
Governor Polis, accompanied by Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, underscored the critical importance of proactive measures in mitigating the escalating risks posed by wildfires. The grants, totaling $6.5 million, aim to facilitate on-the-ground forest mitigation work and landscape-scale watershed projects across Colorado. This initiative is part of the broader commitment by the Polis administration, which has allocated approximately $145 million in state funds over the past four years, leveraging additional federal funds, to safeguard Colorado’s communities, infrastructure, and watersheds from the ravages of wildfires.
"COSWAP’s initial success led it to become a permanent program," Governor Polis stated. "This work keeps Coloradans safe, protects our air quality, and supports our thriving communities and Colorado’s iconic outdoors."
JCD's successful bid for funding under the COSWAP grant underscores its commitment to implementing effective wildfire mitigation strategies. The allocated funds will enable JCD to undertake a comprehensive array of initiatives aimed at bolstering the resilience of ecosystems and communities in the Jefferson County region.
Furthermore, JCD's involvement in landscape resilience projects underscores its commitment to watershed protection—a crucial component of forest restoration. By leveraging federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, JCD aims to undertake landscape-scale projects that focus on cross-boundary wildfire mitigation efforts. These projects, in collaboration with governmental entities, aim to develop actionable plans to safeguard critical water supply watersheds from the catastrophic impacts of wildfires.
The press conference also highlighted the broader impact of COSWAP-funded initiatives across Colorado, with testimonials from organizations such as the Mile High Youth Corps, emphasizing the transformative power of these programs in building resilience and fostering positive change within communities.
The recognition garnered from prominent media outlets such as CBS News and The Colorado Sun underscores the significance of JCD's initiatives in the broader context of wildfire management and forest health preservation. Governor Polis applauded the efforts of organizations like JCD in championing proactive measures to safeguard Colorado's natural resources and communities against the growing threat of wildfires.
The COSWAP grant allocation will enable JCD to:
1. Implement Fuel Reduction Projects: By conducting controlled burns and mechanical thinning operations, JCD plans to reduce the accumulation of hazardous fuels in high-risk wildfire areas. These efforts are crucial for minimizing the intensity and spread of wildfires, thereby enhancing overall forest resilience.
2. Facilitate Collaborative Partnerships: JCD acknowledges the significance of collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges. The grant funding will facilitate partnerships with local stakeholders, government agencies, and other conservation organizations to foster coordinated efforts towards wildfire mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
Christina Burri, one of the speakers at the press conference, was Denver Water’s watershed scientist, as well as Jefferson Conservation District’s board of supervisor’s director. She spoke of the importance of the work that Jefferson Conservation District will undertake with the $980,000 grant funding for over 400 acres within the North Fork of the South Platte Watershed with various Upper South Platte Partnership partners and projects. The COSWAP grant was targeted to landscapes working on a Wildfire Ready Action Plan or WRAP grant.
As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to Colorado's landscapes and communities, the allocation of funding through initiatives like the COSWAP grant represents a crucial step towards enhancing wildfire mitigation efforts and protecting vital natural resources. JCD, alongside its partners and collaborators, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Colorado's natural heritage for present and future generations. Through proactive measures, collaborative partnerships, and strategic investments, Colorado is poised to confront the challenges posed by wildfires with resilience and determination.
Press:
1. Colorado invests $6.5M this year in wildfire mitigation, watershed projects
2. Gov. Jared Polis applauds more wildfire mitigation, forest management grants for Colorado
