Community Wildfire Protection  Implementation Plan GEORGETOWN AREA Clear Creek County, CO  Final: 2-11-15  Page 1 of87    THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLYI LEFT BLANK  Page 2 of87    CWPIP Certification  The Georgetown Area Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan (CWPIP) was developed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003) and the Colorado State Forest Service's Minimum Standards for Community Wildfire This plan is under the umbrella ofthe Clear Creek County CWPP, As such it provides local analysis and implementation recommendations for the Georgetown area. The plan:  Protection Plans (CWPP) (Revised. 2010).  Was collaboratively developed - residents, interested parties and state and federal land management agencies managing land in the Georgetown area have been consulted; Identifies and prioritizes areas forl hazardous fuels reduction treatments and recommends the types and methods oftreatment to reduce the wildfire threat to values at Presents measures to reduce the ignitability ofstructures throughout the plan area. The following entities mutually agree with the contents oft this Community Wildfire Protection  risk in the area;  Implementation Plan:  3/10/2015 Date dhe/a Date Hiselis Date 3/31/15 Date Date  of Town Gorgetown,co Kury Bh Clear CyeekFiye Authority skuel  Re  Cléar Creek County Office ofl Emergency Management Colorado State Forest Service, Golden District  (Review)  Page 3 of87    THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK  Page 4 of87    TABLE OF CONTENTS  Section 1: Community Wildfire Protection Planning..  P7 .P1l .P21 P22 ..P32 P64 P67  1.10 CWPIP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Risks and Recommendations  Section 2: The Georgetown Area & Community Risk Analysis.. Section 3: Wildland Fire Response Infrastructure and Capabilities.  Section 4: Implementation Recommendations.  4.1 General Types of Mitigation techniques to be applied 4.2 Community Evacuation & Preparedness  Section 5: Recommended Priority Actions for the Georgetown CWPIP Area..  Section 6: Plan Implementation and Follow up  Section 7: Appendices.  Page 5of87    THIS PAGE INENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK  Page 6of87    Section 1: COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANNING The town of Georgetown Area Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan (CWPIP) provides an assessment ofneighborhood wildfire risks and hazards and outlines specilic mitigation treatment recommendations designed to make the community a safer place to live work and play. It will enable the community to live with fire as a natural part oft the landscape ecosystem. Itinforms and ençourages homeowners to create defensible space and achieve fire resistant structural integrity, and makes recommendations for the town and Clear Creek County and applicable agencies concerning mitigation actions to help reduce wildfire behavior and to As is the case in any CWPIP much of the community land involved is private land. Itis extremely important for land owners to take action to create Defensible Space on their property. A section ofthe plan demonstrates what can be done while still leaving property attractive. A land owner does not have to clear cut their property to achieve defensible space against wildfire. But without collaborative, neighborhood action the damage to There are many values at risk for this area. Some of those include life, property, watershed Once the CWPIP is finalized and adopted, it is the responsibility of the community to move forward and implement the action items. This may require further planning at the project level, acquisition off funds and assistance through grants or other means, or simply motivating individual homeowners. It should be emphasized that the CWPIP is a living document to be revisited on a regular basis and revised as needed... THIS IS. A PROCESS, NOTA. SHELF  protect area water supply.  homes or other buildings can be significant.  values, power lines, water supply, wildlife, and recreation.  DOCUMENT!!  The Team - Local residents and agencies involved in developing this plan:  Residents and officials of the Georgetown Area  Lynette Kelsey: town of Georgetown Selectman, Ward2 Lee Behrens: former town of Georgetown Selectman, Ward1 EdHoover: town of Georgetown Selectman, Ward3 US Forest Service: Natalie Angell, Kevin Zimlinghaus Colorado State Forest Service; Golden District Clear Creek Office of Emergency Management: Kathleen Krebs Clear Creek Fire Authority: Kelly Babeon  John Chapman; Team Facilitator Professional Support and advice  This CWPIP is not a legal document. There is no legal requirement to implement the recommendations herein. This is also the case for CWPPs. As stated in the Clear Creek County CWPP, " treatments on private land may require compliance with county land use codes, building codes, and local covenants. " Treatments on public lands would be carried out by appropriate agencies and may bes subject to federal, state, and county policies and procedures  Page7of87    such as adherence to the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and' National Environmental Decades of aggressive fire suppression in lire-dependent ecosystems, coupled with persistent drought, disease and insect infestation, have all converged to create a threat that isi increasingly commanding both national attention and substantial resources. Following aj particularly bad fire season in 2002, Congress put forth The National. Fire Plan and the Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland. Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy. Thei intent ofthese programs was to enable effective response to severe wildland fires In the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) in 2003, Congress directed communities in the Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI) to prepare a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Once completed, a CWPP provides statutory incentives for the US Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau ofLand Management (BLM) to give consideration to the priorities of local communities as they develop and implement forest management and hazardous fuel The HFRA provides communities with a flexible set of assessment procedures and guidelines that facilitate a collaborative standardized approach toi identify wildfire risks and prioritize  Policy Act (NEPA). The Challenge  and to better address their impact on communities.  reduction projects.  mitigation actions. A CWPP addresses such factors as:  Stakeholder collaboration; Mapping;  Public agency and local interested party engagement;  Risk assessment - fuels. historical ignitions, infrastructure, structural ignitability, local  resources. and firefighting capability; Hazard reduction recommendations; and Strategic action plans.  The Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan (CWPIP) for the Georgetown Areai is under the umbrella guidance of the Clear Creek County (CCC) CWPP. This CWPIP references CCC data as appropriate. The CCC plan contains detailed information on the county, wildfire history, characteristics and hazards, and evaluations of areas with recommended actions. Readers should become familiar with the county plan as well as this CWPIP. Inclusion ofthe Georgetown area in the CCC CWPP enables residents to qualify for the CO state tax  advantage for defensible space work on their individual properties.  Page 8 of87    1.1 CWPIP ENECUTIVESUMMARYA Risks and Recommendations In addition to the following pages describing the area and its wildfire analysis; The CWPIP team developed: 1)al listing ofValues at Risk; and 2) a set ofinitial mitigation  action priorities.  1.Values at Risk in the Georgetown area CWPIP:(P.18)  Life & Property: Protection oflifei is first in consideration by residents and by emergency services. Protection of property, historical, personal and business, is the second most important concern. Georgetown is an important example of 19th century Colorado history. Georgetown is immediately adjacent to and involved with thei important tourism and historic area ofthe Georgetown Loop Railroad for which a CWPIP was completed in 2011. Water Supply Infrastructure: The Georgetown watershed covers an area ofXXX acres south and SW oft the town plus some additional storage. Wildfire damage to the watershed could accelerate erosion, causing problems for the water supply. Iti is also an area ofvalue for Critical Power Infrastructure: Protection oflocal power facilities and lines is important The area's Viewshed: Roads and trails leading into and out of Georgetown climb neighboring hillsides and border thet town itself, providing views of the historical setting for the Roadways and Transportation: I-70 is an important transportation corridor for Colorado. Georgetown is also the jumping off point for the Guanella Pass road. Wildlife: The areal has important wildlife species needing adequate habitat and protection, and a Colorado Division ofParks and Wildlife area is located on the west side ofI- Recreation: Opportunities abound for hiking, fishing, river rafting, camping, and  habitat for a variety ofv wildlife species.  in the event of wildfire in order to maintain protection services.  town and its culture.  70.  leaming the mining history of the area. 2. Mitigation. Action Recommendations: (P.37)  1.Work with officials and residents to facilitate creation of Defensible Space: Rural 2. Georgetown South: area adjacent to Georgetown on south along Guanella Pass 3. Georgetown East: area adjacent to Georgetown along its eastern side. 5. Georgetown North: area approaching lake and near Saxon Mountain Road 7.Georgetown Watershed Area: Mitigation of Georgetown Reservoir; maintain  and Urban Properties switchbacks. 4. Silverdale  6.N Mitigation thinning on area roadways actions around adjacent lakes and reservoirs 8. Power Transmission and Distribution Lines  Page 9of87    3.Publications for community protection and Defensible Space: Appendix A contains a list ofwebsites and publications for home owners to use in gaining information on defensiblespace, fire resistant landscaping. fire resistant building materials, and grant opportunities.  Page 10of87    Section 2: THE GEORGETOWN AREA & COMMUNITY RISK ANALYSIS  2.1 The Plan Area: Topography and Vegetation  The CWPIP area (See following map) ençompasses the town of Georgetown and adjacent areas ofthe Clear Creek County CWPP recommended for treatment in which wildfire could potentially affect Georgetown. The area is along and adjacent to I-70, approximately 30 mi, west ofDenver. Itis between 8500 and 10500 feet elevation in the montane ecosystem. The plan areal includes al buffer zone surrounding thei immediate town which was considered in plan recommendations. Ther neighborhood areas are surrounded by lands under management oft the US National Forest Service (Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest), Historic Georgetown, and Clear Creek County Open Space. The life zones involved are described in: "Colorado Life "The. Montane Ecosystem occurs at elevations between approximately 8000 and 10,000 feet. The direction the slope of the mountain faces can determine which kinds of trees live there. The southern facing slopes get more sun and support more open forests of aspen trees and ponderosa pines. North aspects of the Montane retain more soil moisture and support denser stands of conifer that are less drought resistant. The trees may be a mixture of Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine and an occasional Engelmann spruce. Montane soils with high moisture content support groves of quaking aspen, Along streams or the shores of lakes may be found: willows, mountain alder, and water birch. In a few places, blue spruce may grow near streams. Trees common to Clear Creek County's Montane Ecosystem include ponderosa pine, Douglas-lir, lodge pole pine, and quaking aspen. Common shrubs include antelope bitterbrush, kinnikinnick, common juniper, holly grape, wax currant, big sage, and rocky mountain juniper." Fire is very important for the montane forests. Over time, the forests can be taken over by dense forests of pine trees. Branches and needles fall to the forest floor and pile up into dry, crispy fire hazards. Smaller forest fires help clear the forests of old dying trees and clear the forest floor for new planis to grow. If we prevent all forest fires, all the dry dead trees, branches, and needles get even thicker. When a fire starts, it can quickly become an enormous super-hot firestorm like the Hayman Fire in 2002." Fire has not played a major part in development of the current forest The CWPIP made al boundary determination for the Georgetown area for protection and the selected boundary was presented to CCC Fire Authority ChiefKelly Babeon for concurrence. The boundary is shown on page 11, followed by maps for land ownership and vegetation.  Zones: Seasons, Plants, & Animals. *  system in a century in the Georgetown area,  Page 11of87    Georgelown CWPIP  R  Figure 1: Geurgetown CWPIP arca boundary  Page 12 of87    5  Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District Public Lands  Clear Creek County Historic Georgetown, Inc. Town of Georgetown Colorado State Historic Sociely Town of Silver Plume  United States Forest Service Divisionc of Widlife. Sheepl Keep Georgetown Town Boundary Silver Plume Town Boundary Lakes  Public Lands Extended Boundary Saxon Mtn. Study Area Trails/High Clearance Roads Rivers  Georgetown Sliver Plume National HistoricLandmark District  Figure 2: Land ownership; Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District  Page 13 of87    Georgetown CWPIP  Figure: 3: Georgetown CWPIP Land Ownership  Page 14 of87    Georgetown CWPIP  Figure 4: Vegetation in Georgetown CWPIParea  Page 15of87    Relationship to Georgetown Loop RR CWPIP  ACWPIP was completed for Georgetown Loop RR in 2012, The eastern boundary for that plan and the westem boundary for the Georgetown CWPIP overlap a bit. Recommended mitigation projects for the eastern side ofGeorgetown Loop are adjacent to this plan's boundary; track space, the Devil's Gate Station, and the Pohle House. They do not interact significantly, but the  actions on each landscape will complement each other.  Georgetown Loop Railroad  CWPIP Boundary Forest Troatment Zone Lobanon Mine Troatment: Zone Devil's Gato Troatmont Zono  Goorgetown! Loop Rairoad Argentine Central Railroad Grado RalilroadBridge 170F Right of Way  Notch Trail Hydrant Stroams  Pohle House  Banderde  Lebanon Mine (7Structures) Pnvate Cabins  Tumtable Bridge& Lebanon Mine Stop  High Bridge  Pint Truss Bridge  Devil's Gate Station  Low Bridge Haull Bridge  Silver Plume Station  Figure 5: Georgetown Loop RR CWPIP boundary  Page 16of87    2.2 Neighborhoods and Hazard Assessments  Community Risk. Analysis: Following is the Georgetown Area CWPIP physical description and fire hazard assessment. The description includes the Community Assessment Survey from the Clear Creek County CWPP. That plan should be referred to for overall area hazard The CWPIP. also makes major use ofa document prepared for Georgetown by the Colorado State Forest Service in 2007: the Georgetown Open Space/Recreational. Land Forest Stewardskip Plan. The plan was designed to guide open space and land owners in sound forest restoration oftheir properties and also deals with wildfire on area lands.  analysis and fire history.  From thei introduction 10 the State Forest Service plan: this property, "Georgetown Open Space/Recreational Land."  "This Forest Stewardship. Plan has been prepared bya professional forester, in cooperation with the lown ofGeorgetown in order 10 guide them in implementing, forest management activilies on This plan discusses the current condition and desired future condition of forest resources on Open Space land. The plan also outlines the goals of the landowner (town of Georgetown) and recommends management activities that integrate these goals with accepted forest management This plan represents at ten-year land management strategy that includes aj prioritized list of  practices. activities."  Goals and objectives stated in the plan include, in part:  "Promote good stewardship of1 both forested and non-forested land through sound Conserve plant and wildlife resources (HDPLC Vision, Cooperative Management Plan): Preserve vistas and cultural resources, provide low impact recreational use of the lands, and interpret the natural and historic features oft the area (HDPLC Vision, Cooperative  management practices;  Reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire;  Management Plan);  Protect and enhance water quality... : "Thin stands for improvement of forest health and vigor; Treat and prevent insect and disease outbreaks:  Use existing cooperative agreements with neighboring landowners to coordinate  management activities onto their land..."  Page 17of87    Values at Risk: Values at risk in the Georgetown area CWPIP:  Life & Property: Protection oflifei is first in consideration by residents and by emergency services. Protection of property, historical, personal and business, ist the second most important concern to maintain the integrity and stability of the community, Georgetown is a very imporlant example of 19th century Colorado history. "The importance ofGeorgetown's place in history was given national recognition in 1966... the towns ofGeorgetown and Silver Plume were recognized as a National Historic Landmark District (NHLD) and protected to help tell the story ofthe American West. Historic Georgelown was formedas a private non-profit organization in 1970 10 assist in the efforts 10 preserve and interprel Georgetown's mining past. While federal, state, and local government and local organizatons work 10 restore landmark sites, most ofGeorgetown's 200 19th- centurysiructures. are privatelvowned. protected, and preserved bv local citizens. "This private ownership is important t0 the efforts oft this CWPIP. Georgetown isi immediately adjacent to and involved with thei important tourism and historic area of the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park. A CWPIP for the area of the loop railroad was completed in 2011. Water Supply Infrastructure: The Georgetown watershed covers an area south and SW ofthe town plus some additional storage. Wildfire damage to the watershed could accelerate erosion, causing problems for the water supply. It is also an area of value for habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Water supply contamination (increased microbiological and chemical contaminants) could occur as the introduction of point and non-point source pollutants with erosion and sedimentation from severe wildfire events. Critical Power) Infrastructure: Protection oflocal power facilities and lines isi important in the event of wildfire in order to maintain prolection services. The community will coordinate with power transmission entities to improve and maintain existing utility right-of-way fuel breaks in accordance with standards of the industry. Make sure right- of-way around power lines is free of trees or limbs that may cause damage. The objective ofthis project is development ofa fire resislant landscape that accommodates electrical The area's Viewshed: Roads and trails leading into and out of Georgetown climb neighboring hillsides and border the town itself, providing views of the historical selting for the town and its culture. Protective mitigation to maintain this viewshed in the event ofwildfire is important to how the town is perceived, important to its economy asa visitor destination, and imporlant 10 prevent soil erosion and maintain slope stability. Roadways and Transportation: I-70 is an important transportation corridor for Colorado, hosting heavy traflic moving from Denver to the mountain recreation areas, the west slope, and beyond as a major cross-country corridor. Georgetown is also the jumping off point for the Guanella Pass road, leading south across the pass to Grant, CO, Wildlife: The area has important wildlife species needing adequate habitat and protection. A Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife area is located on the west side of 1-70, providing protection for wildlife, including al band ofbighom sheep, and providing recreational opportunities for visitors to the area. There is also important wildlife habitat  power transmission needs.  on US285.  Page 18 of87    on the east side ofI-70 above the town and south ofGeorgetown through the watershed Recreation: Surrounded by US Forest Service, county, and state lands, Georgetown is a unique tourism and historic town. Within 40 minutes of the Denver metropolitan region. Georgetown lies nestled in the middle of timbered hills and peaks. Opportunities for hiking, (ishing, river rafling, camping. and learning the mining history of the area The following page contains the neighborhood hazard rating and recommendation page for the Georgetown CWPIP area which was developed in the Clear Creek County Community  areai towards Guanella Pass.  abound.  Wildfire Protection Plan (CCC CWPP).  Page 19of87    Clear Creek County CWPP  Appendix D- Community Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessments  Georgetown  Community Hazard Assessment Community Design  MODERATE  Municipality Access across town paved or groomed 1 % to 2 lane, Somewhat limited uccess across Clear Creck to Argentine Rd. and 1-70. Generally flat valley floor bounded by steep slopes east, south, and west of town. 1-70 provides buffer to the west. Dense timber adjacent tos structures on the south and cast town margins. Municipal East facing slopes across 1-701 light grass, shrub and rock. Dense lodgepole pinc and mixed conifer adjacent to town on stcep west and north facings slopes. Housing density isl highi in town limits with mature urban forcstry mix. FBFM Improve defensible space where needed and reduce structural ignitability through phased building improvements or new construction. Develop shaded fuelbreaks along lower Guanella Pass Road. Strategic forest treatment zones  hydrant grid observed, Moderate beetle-kill noted.  Fuels  1,2,4,8,9, 101 noted in area. Mitigation Recummendations identified along forested town margins.  Clear Creek County Georgetown WUI  Page 20 of87    Section 3: WILDLAND FIRE RESPONSE: INFRASTRUCTURE AND A Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan needs to address existing protection capabilities and resources on hand for wildfire suppression and protection oflife and properly. As this plan is an implementation plan under the overall Clear Creek County CWPP those wishing to read detailed information on capabilities should refer to the CWPP for Clear Creek County (CCC) and to the website for the Clear Creek Fire Authority (CCFA). Wildland firefighting operations on all private lands in CCC are the responsibility oft the Clear Creek Fire Authority (CCFA). The CCFA is responsible for initial attack on any wildland fire within its response. jurisdiction. The CCFA is comprised of approximately 60 volunteer firelighters, one full-time paid chiel, one full-time paid deputy chief and two part-time paid staff. CCFA maintains nine stations. Major stations for Georgetown are: Station 4 in Georgetown, Station 8i in Silver Plume, Station 1 in Dumont, and Station 2 in Idaho Springs. CCFA has a website for equipment and otheri information: http:/www.clearereekfire.com, The Clear Creek Fire Authority participates in the Clear Creek County Annual (Wildfire) Operating Plan (AOP). "The purpose ofthis Annual Fire Operating Plan (AOP) is toset forth standard operating procedures, agreed procedures, and responsibilities to implement cooperalive wildfire prolection on all lands within Clear Creek County. " The AOP details procedures and resources to be used for wildland fire suppression within Clear Creek County. Signalories to the AOP include the Clear Creek Fire Authority, Clear Creek County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), CCC Sherifl's Office (SO), Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), USFS, and the Evergreen Fire Protection District (EFPD). The AOP allows CCFA to do initial attack on wildfires within the Arapaho-Roosevelt National  CAPABILITIES  Clear Creek Fire Authority:  Jefferson, Gilpin, Summit and Park counties are mutual aid partners. Forest that are within two miles of private property within its district.  Page 21 of87    Section 4: GENERAL TYPES OF IMPLEMENTATION  RECOMMENDATIONS  Ani important and required part ofa Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan is the recommendation of mitigation projects detailing actions thal should be undertaken by the community, landowners, and adjacent land management agencies (county, state and/or federal). Public land projects, when combined with home owner defensible space and structural Wildfire mitigation is defined as the reduction of the probability and negative impacts of wildfire. Mitigation can be accomplished through wildland fuels management, non-fuels mitigation measures, and public outreach. Results are often most effective when these three approaches are pursued by govemmental entities, citizen groups, and individuals working "Mitigation objectives ultimately support the overarching goal ofenhancing the safetyand welfare ofthe county 's residents and emergency responders. This is achieved. by reducing the threat ofcatastrophic wildfire through strategic) fuels reduction, reducing structural ignitability, and making infrastructure improvements that) facilitate access and enhance suppression capabilities. Sustaining community outreach through education and public relations efforts are equally important factors. Effective mitigation needs the The following pages contain sections on types of mitigation actions and prioritized projects selected for the Georgetown area CWPIP. As projects are completed or conditions change, additional projects will be added in ongoing action by the CWPIP team. The projects are collaborative in nature and will require effort by the CWPIP team working with the town of Georgetown, CCFA, USFS, and county and state agencies. They generally follow direction given in the hazard assessments ofthe Clear Creek County CWPP. As much as possible, projects were established to include areas with common features. Among the features considered were forest types, fuel loads, ingress and egress routes, and values. Consideration was given to a number of factors. These are: 1. Values at risk: Life and property are always the first values. The values assigned 2. Current level of activity: Experience has shown that wildfire mitigation efforts are 3. Thei important actions that residents should take: A major component is the actions private land owners can and should take to provide protection to life and 4. Proximity to public lands priority zone: The Healthy Forest Restoration Act builds on efforts to restore healthy forest conditions near communities and essential community infrastructure. The Act emphasizes the need for federal agencies to work collaboratively with communities in prioritizing and developing hazardous fuel  protection, collaborate to provide area wide wildfire protection.  logether. To quote the Clear Creek County CWPP:  support of the residents. "  Georgetown are on P.17.  most effective when the community is involved.  property.  Page 22 of87    reduction projects. In the Georgetown area the US Forest Service manages much of the surrounding public lands. Clear Creek County Open Space, Historic Georgetown, and the Historic District Public Lands Commission are also involved.  Page 23 of87    4.1 Mitigation Techniques to be applied  As stated in the CCC CWPP, "Mitigation works. I is entirely possible to create a cleaner, healthier, natural environment where forest fuels cannot support a crown fire. Reducing surface fiels and limbing low tree branches inhibits the initiation ofcrown fire. Forest thinning reduces crown fire propagation by breaking canopy continuity and forcing the flaming, front t0 the ground, This reduces, fire line intensity, significantly lowers the risk of structure loss. and creates a safer situation in which to deploy 4.1a Structure Defensible Space - The Land owner  suppression resources. *  A major function of the CWPIP team would be to workwith town officials and area residents to inform and educate on accomplishing defensible space on private properties. This can be done through meetings, special "wildfire days" involving fire department and forest service oflicials, mailings, or other events determined by the team. Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread ofwildfire towards the structure. It also reduces the chance ofas structure fire moving from the building lo the surrounding forest. Defensible space provides room for frefighters 10 do their jobs. Your house is more likely to survive a wildfire if grasses. brush, trees and other common forest fuels You, as residents ofthe Georgetown area, are the most important component ofthis plan! Homeowners are often discouraged from completing defensible space because they believe their lot sizes are too small for effective fuel mitigation. But your actions are truly meaningful in protecting life, property, and the beauly oft the area. Wildfireis a natural part of an ecosystem. The actions you lake will To quote the Colorado State Forest Service, "Fire is capricious. It can find the weak linki in your home's fire protection scheme and gain the upper hand because ofa small, overlooked or seemingly inconsequential factor" (QUICK GUIDE SERIES FIRE 2012-1 Protecting Your Home from Wildfire: Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones; formerly Natural Resources Series #6,302, Creating Wildfire Defensible Space You do not have to clear cutj your property! Defensible space can be created in an esthetically pleasing manner that maintains privacy and the natural character ofthe Iti is recommended that defensible space be developed around all structures in the planning area. The CWPIPcannot mandute a property oner take any action. Itis hoped residents in the area will. see how defensible space can be attractively createdand realize when everyone takes action the broader neighborhood landscape is protected.  are managed to reduce a fire' 's intensity.  determine! how fire affects your property.  Zones.  community, and restores forest health.  Page 24 of87    Full descriptions of effective actions can be found: at the national website www. firewise.org,  Appendix D which contains a complete brochure on Ready, Set, Go Two excellent Colorado State Forest Service publications: "Protecting Your Home from Wildfire: Creating WAlfire-Defensible Zones"; on the agency's website at: http:/lcsfs. colostate. edupds/FIRE2012 1 DspaceOuickGuide pdf.  and "Landowner Guide to Thinning":  http:!lcsfs. colostate. edu/ndfe/landowner g4thin scr.pdf  Consulting with a forester; advice is available from the Colorado State Forest Service district office at 1504 Quaker Street, Golden, CO (303-279-9757), from consulting foresters, and from the Clear Creek Fire Authority. Research indicates homes with fire resistant roofs and defensible space have an 85 percent chance of surviving a wildfire while homes with neither ofthese characteristics have a 15 percent survival rate. An effective defensible space consists of flame resistant vegetation (aspen or large diameter trees without lower limbs), low flammability landscaping plants, mowed grass, lack of firewood stacks, and absence of fuel tanks immediately adjacent to structures. Structural ignitability is the fire resistance of materials used in the buildings  themselves, and the design of the structure.  Uphill (ands side)  Zonc3  Zone2  70 so B0 100 110 120 130 140 150 170 180 210 Distanceto! home Figure2 This chart indicates ther minimum dimensions for delensible space trom ther home tothe outer edge ofZone2 For example, ifyour home Is stuatedona20 percent slope. ther mnimum delensibie space dimensions wouldbe 901 feet the! uphan home. andu to thes sides otmel nome and 1041 teeto downna trom  Property line" Figure1 Forested property showingt thet three fire-defensible zones around al home or other structure.  Figure 6: CSFS Defensible Space Standards (Dennis 2003)  Thei installation of a defensible space consists oft three zones that can be adapted to specific building lot situations (Figure 4). Following are portions of the CSFS pamphlet on Defensible Space. See the website for complete mitigation actions. Mitigation actions for town size lots are in priority recommendation 1, P.33. Zone 1 extends a distance of 15-30 feet outward from a structure.. Most flammable vegetation is removed in this zone, with the possible exception ofa few low-growing shrubs or fire-resistant plants. Avoid landscaping with common ground junipers, which are highly llammable. Increasing the width ofZone I will increase the structure's  Page 25 of87    survivability. Increase distance 5 feet or more in areas downhill from a structure. Install nonflammable ground cover and plant nothing within the first 5 feet oft the house and Irrigate grass and other vegetation during the growing season. Keep wild grasses Ideally, remove all trees from Zone 1 to reduce fire hazards. Ifyou keep any treesi in this zone, consider them part of the structure and extend the distance of the entire defensible space accordingly. The lower branches of trees will be pruned 5 to 10 feet Keep firewood at leas! 30 feet away from structures, and uphill if possible. Enclose or screen decks with 1/8-inch or smaller metal mesh screening (1/16-inch mesh I Remove any branches that overhang or touch the roof, and remove all fuels within 10 Rake pine needles and other organic debris at least 10 feet away from all decks and Remove slash, wood chips and other woody debris from Zone 1. Zone 2 width (typically 30 to 110 feet from Zone 1). Zone 2 should be considerably larger ift the dwelling occurs on steep slopes. Treatment of ground fuels and ladder fuels will be thes same as Zone 1. Trees (or small groups of trees) and shrubs will be thinned to provide 10 feet ofo clearance among crowns on level ground, more as slope increases. Zone 3 has no specified width. It should provide a gradual transition from Zone 21 to areas farther from thel home. Your local Colorado State Forest Service forester can help you with this zone. This zone provides an opportunity for you to improve the health of the forest through proper management. There are an assortment of stewardship oplions, to proactively manage the forest to reduce wildfire intensity, protect water quality, improve wildlife habitat, boost the health and growth rate ofyour trees, and increase tree Zones 1,2, and 3 will be maintained annually. Two publications that provide information on appropriate plants to use for defensible space landscaping have been prepared by CSFS: Grass Seed Mixes to Reduce Wildfire. Hazard, Bulletin No. 6.306 (Dennis, not dated), and FireWise Plant Materials, Bulletin 6.305 (Dennis, not dated Mitigation of Structural Ignitability: Important in Georgetown as buildings are historical, and close together on city lots. Wood construction is prevalent. Complete protection would be difficult if ember storms are involved, but structural improvement consistent with historical values will be important. 1. Most structures DON'Tignite from direct flame contact, but from radiant heat (heat that doesn't warm the intervening air but does warm objects). As a fire bums the heat passes through air and windows to objects inside thel home that warm to the point ofignition then smolder for hours. You have an important role making the house  deck.  mowed to al height of6i inches or less.  above the ground.  is preferable). Do not use areas under decks for storage.  feet of the chimney. structures.  Herbaceous plants will be mowed as they dry in late summer.  survivability.  Page 26 of87    less resistant to radiant heat. Use non-combustible rooling material and non- combustible siding (Class Cor better), and spark arresters on chimneys. 2. Embers or fire brands also ignite house fires. During fires the air contains embers that land on unburned fuels. A wildfire can create spot fires miles downwind. Embers can get stuck in "traps" on rooling, such as beside chimneys or in gutters and starl new fires. Clean pine needles out of gutters and off roofing. Screen attic and 3. Large windows are a threat to homes because they allow radiant heat to enter the structure. Remove lacey and other decorative curtains to prevent radiant heat from igniting them through the glass. Large windows, especially single-pane windows, are vulnerable to breaking from debris blowing in fire-generated winds and embers. Double and triple pane windows are more resistant to heat transfer.  foundation vents with fine mesh screening.  4.1b Fuel Break  A fuel break is an area where the vegetation structure and/or composition are altered to reduce severe fire behavior to provide firefighters a chance for control. Vegetation treatments could include such things as reducing biomass, thinning trees and shrubs. and/or removing ladder fuels. By breaking up vertical and horizontal vegetation-luel continuity of the forest stands, fire suppression resources are afforded better opportunities to control fire rate ofs spread and contain wildfires. For mitigation actions under this plan the CSFS publications, Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested. Subdivisions and Communities, (Dennis, not dated) and Lodgepole Pine Management Guidelines for Land Managers in the Wildland-Urban Interface (Dennis et al) should be followed. As noted in CSFS publications, crown separation is a more critical factor for fuel breaks than a fixed tree density level. A minimum 10-foot spacing between the edges oft tree crowns is recommended on level ground. As slope increases, crown spacing should also increase. However, small, isolated groups of trees may be retained for visual diversity. Increase crown spacing around any groups of trees left for aesthetic reasons and to reduce fire intensities and torching potential.  Stand Densities  Fuel break Width/Slope Percent slope % 0 10 20 30 40 50 60  Minimum uphill distance (A.) 150 140 130 120 110 100 100  Minimum downhill distance (A.) 150 165 180 195 210 225 240  Total distance of moditicu fucls(A.) 300 303 310 315 320 325 340  *As slopei increases, total distance for cut-and-fill for road construction rapidly increases, improving fuelbreak Various fuel breaks are: recommended in the Georgetown area CWPIP. The trees may be amixture ofDouglas-fir, lodge pole pine, ponderosa pine and an occasional Engelmann spruce. There are often groves of quaking aspen. Where there are thick and aged stands  eflective width.  Page 27 of87    oflodgepole pine therei is the potential for wind throwiffuel break thinning creates corridors in the forest. Itist recommended that thinning be accomplished by leaving stands oftrees separated from adjacent stands to create the desired spacing affect. This will assist these stands to be self-supportive when wind events occur. To create the fuel break, dead, diseased, weakened, and malformed conifer trees would be removed. The harvesting of conifer trees would occur as necessary to achieve the desired density of approximately 10- to15-foot spacing among tree canopies (Figure 5). Conifer trees would be limbed up approximately 10 feet from the ground and limbs removed. Aspen trees would not bel harvested or harmed during the creation ofthe fuel breaks. Aspen are usually fire resistant and would add to the effectiveness of the fuel breaks.  G  fuelbreak  Chussatimefatypial, fuclbroak built ine conjunction  Plan cicoffuebrenk shoeing minimu distanuebelaver  tithe anad.  tre cotes,  Figure 7: Fuel Break Diagram (Dennis not dated)  Logs and other woody material generaled from crealing the fuel breaks would be disposed through salvage log sales, hauling debris off site 10 a designated disposal area, or burned on site. Actions should be in line with recommendations for "Clean up Alternatives" contained in CSFS publication: "Landowner Guide 10 Thinning"  htpi/eis.colostateetlmpdhylamiowmer_gsthin.serpd.  Salvage logging may be possible ifharvested trees are sufficient in size and wood quality for post-harvest markets. An evaluation should be made to determine marketability of logs prior to logging. Burning the woody debris will require arrangements to be made  with the CCFA. A CCC open burning permit will be necessary.  Page 28 of87    Treatment Alternativesand CBNIOMCCCCWPFIRE CoaapSaFSHaNAA  consuledlorupdaungcosrestmetes as projects are developed  Treatmen! Machine Mowing Prescribed Fire  Estimated Comments  Cost acre acre  $90- $200 per Appropriate for large, flat grassy areas on relatively flat  topography. Ecologically beneficial. Cant be used as training opportunity for firefighters. Cost varies with complexity. Carries risk of escape, which may be unacceptable in some WUla areas, Unreliable scheduling due to weather and smoke management constraints. vigorously after mechanical treatment. Follow-up treatments with herbicides, fire, grazing, or further mechanical treatments are typically necessary. Mastication tends to be less expensive than manual treatment and eliminates disposal issues. percent can be treated. Eliminates disposal issues. under study. timber.  $75- $300 per Can be very cost effective.  Brush Mastication  $300-$ $500 per Brush species (Gamble oak in particular) tend to resprout  acre  Timber Mastication  $300-$1,200 Materials upt to 10 inches in diameter and slopes up to30  peracre  *Environmentall impacts of residue being left onsite are still Requires chipping. hauling, and pile burning of slash. materials over 10 inches in diameter may require a feller buncher rather than a masticator. Costs tend to be considerably higher than mastication, -May allow for removal of merchantable material.  Manual Treatment with $300-$1,200 Allows for removal of merchantable materials or firewood in  Chipping or Pile Burning pera acre Feller Buncher  $750 and up -Mechanical treatment on slopes over 30 percent of  pera acre  The above cost estimates are. several. years old. The community CWPIP team should consult with the CoState Forest Service for advice on obtaining current cost estimates A firel break is an area where vegetation has been removed to bare ground or replaced with non-flammable surface such as asphalt. The purpose of the fire break is tol hopefully stop fire progression and improve fire suppression efforts. I-70 and Georgetown area roads should be managed as lirebreaks the entire length oft the planning area to reduce the chances off fire caused from roadside ignition from spreading to the planning area. Herbaceous vegelation should be mowed approximately 10 feet on each side in late  as they move to implement a new prioritypraject  4.1c Fire Break  summer to further enhancei its eflectiveness. 4.1d Watershed Resource Protection  Watershed protection is important to the Georgetown area. The Clear Creek County CWPP did look at watershed identification and treatment. "In the earlystrategic planning phases ofthe project, the county's watershedresources were identifedas critical value al risk. : Section 1.3, Goals and Objectives. states "recommend. mitigation  Page 29 of87    measures that contribute lo the conservation ofheadwater watershed resources, and A county's "Watershed. Interface". : was identified as a. separale area ofconcern from the actual WUI management zones that were also identified during the planning meeting. The primary risk 10 watersheds from wildfire is the post-fire erosion that occurs after stabilizing ground cover has been removed. : Sediment clogs streams and reservoirs, Effectively mitigating an entire watershed with the goal ofpreventing potential debris flow is likely an impossible goal to achieve. Landscape-scale treatments in rugged and inaccessible terrain are logistically andj financially impractical. Treatment recommendations may, however, take into account watershed resources where they intersect with designated WUI treatment zones. Witha 1-mile buffer placed around each WuI, the majority ofthe "watershed interface'  is covered." 4.2 Community Evacuation and Preparedness  other natural and economic assets.  and fouls water treatment, facilities.  Evacuation Routes: Given thei nature of the terrain the team identified action to mitigate fire effects along roadways as critical, Creation and maintenance ofingresslegress will enable residents to evacuate safely and enable emergency vehicles access. The Clear Creek County CWPP states as an objective, "Develop. shaded fuelbreaks along all forested: secondary communily access roules..anchor shaded fuelbreaks 10 meadows. " General priority criteria for mitigation: 1) steep, timbered slopes adjacent to the road; 2) close proximity oftimber to the roadway itself(e.g. within 50 feel); 3) roads with only The CWPIP team will collaborate with the Clear Creek Fire Authority to develop: a  one way in and out.  priority listing of roadways for thinning. Signing and Evacuation; all Properties:  Preparedness: names. evacuate,  Homes need visible address signing which are non-flammable and reflective at the ends oftheir driveways. Emergency personnel respond based on street addresses and last 1. Create an evacuation plan - in advance. Include a meeting place outside your area. and a family member or friend outside of your area who can be a point of contact. Think oft the Four Ps: Pets, Pills, Papers, and Photos. You may have only a short time to Ifyou do leave the house, set al ladder in the driveway and connect garden hoses to spigots 50 firefighters can use your equipment to help defend your home. Ready-Set-Go: See Appendix D fora a complete brochure on this important program Clear Creek County endorses the Rendy-Set-Go (RSG) program of wildfire action planning for residents and other property owners. This program assists firelighters to  Page 30 of87    teach individuals who livei in high risk wildfire areas and the wildandurban-interface (WUI) how to best prepare themselves and their properties against fire threats. The RSG Program is at three step process that can significantly increase the safety of residents and the safety of responding firefighters. The three steps are: 1)1 Ready - Preparing for the Fire Threat; Be Ready, Be Firewise.  2) Set - Situational Awareness  3)Go-I Leave early! Comply with any evacuation orders and follow evacuation plans Code Red: For more information on Code Red and how to sign up see. Appendix D The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office Communications Center has contracted for "CodeRedTM" high-speed telephone emergency notification services sometimes referred to as' "reverse 911 ". The CodeRed system allows emergency dispatchers the ability to deliver public safety messages to targeted areas or the entire county at a rate ofup to 60,000 calls per hour. This service includes those residents and businesses ini the municipalities of Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown and Silver Plume as well as the  early!  unincorporated area of the county.  Page 31 of87    Section 5: RECOMMENDED PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR THE  GEORGETOWN CWPIP AREA  The following pages contain the priority projects and their descriptions as The team utilized the "Georgetown Open Space/Recreationa Land Forest Stewardship Plan" prepared in 2007 by the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). It identifies several areas along and adjacent to Georgetown on the south and east for fuels mitigation. However, since the report's recommendations were. limited to Georgetown Open Space lands and this CWPIP forms a mitigation plan for the complete area the team included the Clear Creek County CWPP recommended mitigation areas along the entire length oft the Therefore, the following areas recommended for mitigation include lands that are in private ownership, town ownership, county ownership, and Open Space ownership. As the team and community move to carry out these recommendations it will be necessary to collaborate and negotiate with all groups applicable to the various units to gain  determined by the Georgetown area CWPIP team.  area from south to north along its east side.  understanding of and agreement to treatment.  "Four tkinning units are delincated on the Georgetown Open Space/Recreational The state plan recommends the following order ofimportance for  Land,forap possible total of 104 acres... mitigation in the units. PRIORITY ACTIVITY VeryHigh High Moderate Moderate  Stand 8 Thinning Unit Stand 2Thinning Unit Stand 5Thinning Unit Stand 9 Thinning Unit  The state plan states, "Thinning also plays an important role in reducing the severity ofa fire. By removing some trees, the continuity of fuels (especially in the forest canopy) is broken up, sO it is more difficult for a, fire to move up into the crown. Less fuel also means less heat, sO the fire will not be quile as damaging 10 the residual stand... * In development of the following recommended priorities the team has selected priority projects in a slightly different order, separating units along the south and east side ofGeorgetown into three major units, Georgetown South, Georgetown East, and Georgetown North. These units are described as separate mitigation  priorities. Page 32 of87    Figure 4 Stand Map  Georgetown Open Space/Rec. Land  Legend Stands and Features Stand Nonlorat Rparian Stand Aapen Sund2. Lodgupoe pina/Aapen Standa- Uppar Montane Medo Confer Sland4- Wostamk MuedConfer Stands- Densek Msd Conifer Sunds. Lowel Lodgepole pneMiado Conder Suand7- Uppert Lodgepoler pinallaad Conder Stande- Opevsep Muedo Conler Slande- Ponderosay praDouglast  15  1:17,988  Georgetown Arca Mitigation: from CSFS plan  Page 33 of87    Recommended Treatment Priorityl: Rural and Urban Properties  Work with officials and residents to facilitate creation of Defensible Space: Creation of personal defensible space is critical to area protection. The team recommends collaboration between itself, the town ofGeorgetown, the Clear Creek Fire Authority, the Colorado State Forest Service Golden District and Clear Creek offices to use egAberhopdrommuniy events to educate residents and promote their efforts to create The team also recommends it work with the Clear Creek Fire Authority, CCC, and the CSFS to develop submittals for various grant opportunities to gain funding for contraciors who can work to carry out forestry actions on properties where thel land owners wish to create defensible space but are unable to personally carry out more advanced actions. Such actions would include removal oflarger trees to create recommended crown spacing, and chipping or other methods of This action would require: events to promote and inform residents on accomplishing defensible space; developing al listing oft those land owners desiring to accomplish defensible space; developing a list of those needing assistance to carry out mitigation actions on their property; and working with county and state fire officials t0 develop opportunities for their action and/or grant opportunities. CCFA and CSFS have capability to evaluate individual properties and recommend The firel hazard ratings within the town of Georgetown focus on the potential for impact from ember storms from surrounding wildfire activity based on topography; "Generallyflat valley floor bounded by steep slopes east, south, and west of lown. 1-70 provides buffer 10 the west. Dense timber adjacent to structures on the south and east town margins.. Dense lodgepole pine and mixed conifer adjacent I0 lown on. steep west and north, facing slopes. Housing densilyis high in town limits with mature urban forestry mix. " These factors, along with weather determine fire behavior. Crown fires could occur in areas even rated at low risk if extreme Clear Creek County Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Requirements: When home owners undertake new or expanded construction changes to their property they will: need to take action on the county requirements for mitigation. Information on finding such requirements is in Protection for Rural Properties in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)  Defensible Space on residential lands within the plan area.  removal of downed timber.  actions.  weather conditions occurred when ai fire was burning.  Appendix E, P88.  Ass shown in Section 4, personal properly Defensible Space actions are very important to protect homes. Those actions are discussed on pp.24-28, and CSFS publication: "Protecting Your Home from Wildfire: Creating Mldfire-De/ensible Zones". This publication is found on the CSFS  website in the Defensible Space section at:  htp.esis.colosialecdupds/FIRE2012, L DspaceQuickGuide pdf.  Page 34 of87    Protection for Town Size Lots: Also see Appendix D brochure for Ready, Set, Go Mitigation in urban areas is similar to techniques for rural areas. Following are recommendations pertaining to urban lots. Itis recognized that where buildings have been given official historic designations that changing the actual fabric oft the buildings may not be feasible. This makes mitigation of the physical lot and rapid fire response important, As noted earlier buildings in Georgetown are often close together and many are of wood construction and historical. Ember storms could have a delinite impact, Building owners are urged to take what preautions they can to make their buildings as fire resistant as possible to help alleviate possible impacts of ember slorms. Actions will not make buildings fire proof, but will help greatly to reduce fire effects. In older residential areas lots are usually less than one acre in size. This coincides with the definition ofZone 1 used for the larger sites, basically from the buildings out 15-20 feet. Thinning is accomplished in this area by removing most trees within the zone. Trees near chimneys and decks should be the highest priority for removal, Ideally only one or two high value trees should bel left within 15 feet ofa structure. Prune branches up 6-10 feet on larger trees to prevent fire from spreading from the ground up. Smaller trees should be pruned as well, I. Keep the ground around thel home clear of dead woody materials and branches. Landscape with less Nammable shrubs and plantings (a list is available from the State Forest Service) and with grass. Two publications, Fire-Resistant Landscaping (publication # 6.303). and FireWise Plant Materials (publication # 6.305) may be obtained from the State Forest Service district office and are also available on the state forest service website at:  but always leave at least two-thirds of the green branches,  http:licsfs colostate duaseNEmubiscations html.  2. from structures.  Ifyou have firewood, it should be stacked ai minimum of30 feet away from and uphill 3. Ifyoul have grass keepi it well watered and mowed. Do not have shrubs directly beneath windows or next to foundation vents. Trim back treel limbs that overhang the house or encroach on the chimney area. Ifyoul have a favorite tree next to the home consider it part of the structure and remove nearby trees to avoid fire spreading into the home and tree (10-15 feet crown separation if at all possible). Use rock or bare earth landscaping beneath decks and do not use the Use non-combustible roofing material and non-combustible siding (Class C or better), and spark arresters on chimneys. Clean combustible debris from roofs and gutters frequently to prevent woody debris from accumulating. Even when noncombustible roofing materials are used, burning debris on a roof can conduct heat to the wooden sub roofundemeath. See Importance ofHomeowner Participation: An individual's actions are effective even when neighbors do not participate. Itis certainly true, however, that the effectiveness of Many communities organize volunteer days to assist elderly and handicapped neighbors. These events are opportunities for community bonding. and help develop a commitment to mitigation  area for storage. 4.  additional structural mitigation actions on P,36.  mitigation is enhanced as more landowners join the effort.  within the community.  Page 35 of87    Guidelines for Wildfire Resistant Landscaping ina an Urban Setting  a  10-loot pecing slope 30-loct Modera siope  Page 36 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 2: Pass Road switchbacks  Mitigation for Georgetown South: slopes overlooking town along Guanella The leam selected the steep landscape overlooking the south end of Georgetown as the second priority for mitigation. The unit outline on P,39 includes more acreage (60.18) than the state recommendation, which was limited to Georgetown Open Space lands. The potential for winds moving down from the pass above Silver Plume and affecting wildfire on the southem edge of The CSFS plan states: "While Stand 5 covers 18 acres along the upper switchbacks of the Guanella Pass Road just south ofGeorgetown, only the northern 10.3 acres ofthis stand is on operable terrain, The operable terrain. in this unit is limited to areas just off the road and generally on slopes of30% or less. Thinning in the northern portion ofthis stand should be The recommendation is that the team collaborates with Clear Creek Fire Authority and CO State Forest Service to study the 60 acre unit for treatment wherever possible asi it includes over 40 additional acres in differing terrain. As privately owned land is involvedit will be necessary to educate and negotiate with land owners for some of the mitigation to be Treatment would be in line with the state recommendation: "This portion oft fthe stand is mainly mature lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir.. Thimning in this stand will not necessarily focus on basal area per acre but on crown spacing and removal ofmortality trees both adjacent t0 the road and those caused by insect altacks. The. stand: should be thinned t0 an overslorycrown spacing f101 to 15) feet or more to decrease the continuityof) fiels in the canopy... "Byr reducing the continuityoff fuels in the overstory' and removing understory trees, the polential for a crown fire 10 spread, in. such close proximity to the town of Georgetown, will be The CSFS publications, Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested Subdivisions and Communities, (Dennis, not dated) and Lodgepole Pine Management Guidelines for Land Managers in the As noted in those publications. :. crown separation is a more critical factor for fuelbreaks than a fixed tree density level, A 10-foot minimum: spacing between the edges of tree crowns is recommended on level ground. "The minimum recommended fuelbreak width is approximately 300 feet forl level ground. Since lire activity intensifies as slope increases, the overall fuelbreak width must also increase... Widths are also increased when severe topographic conditions are encountered. Guidelines for fuelbreak widths on slopes are given on page 27. Small, isolated groups oftrees may be retained for visual diversity. Increase crown spacing around any groups  town are a factor in this recommendation.  aimed al reducing the potential spreadofwildfre.. *  accomplished.  decreased.. *  Wildland -Urban Interface (Dennis et al) should also be followed.  oftrees.. to reduce fire intensities and torching potential."  Page 37 of87    Where stands ofl lodgepole pine exist therei is potential for wind throwi iffuelbreak thinning creates "wind" corridors... Iti is recommended that thinning be accomplished by leaving groups of301 to 50 trees separated from adjacent groups of trees by 30-50 feet to create the desired spacing effect. This will assist these stands to be self-supportive in wind events." Treatment would be primarily hand thinning with some mechanical, and with slash pile and treatment of material or some use ofwood for biomass business purposes. Cost would be approximately $2500/acre. The community team should consult with the Golden District of the Colorado State Forest Service for advice on getting an up-to-date cost estimate when it  begins the process to accomplish this project.  Page 38 of87    6018Acres  Georgelown South co su  Georgetown South Mitigation Unit  Page 390 of87    des  Georgetown South  Georgetown South Mitigation Unit  Page 40 of87    Figure 8  Georgetown Open Space/Rec. Land Stand 5 Thinning Unit Map  Legend Oporable Area Stand 5-Dense Mixed Conifer  125_250 500 750 1,000  1:3,330  Georgetown South: CO State Forest Service Map Used in Planning  Page 41 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 3:  Mitigation for Georgetown East: slopes overlooking town on the east side The team selected the steep landscape overlooking the eastem side ofGeorgetown as the third priority for mitigation. The unit outline on the next page includes more acreage (60) than the state recommendation, which was limited to Georgetown Open Space lands. The area extends east to include lands which can be treated effectively in terms of recommended distances baed on The recommendation is that the unit be analyzed by Clear Creek Fire Authority and a forester and treated wherever possible as it includes 33.21 acres in differing terrain. Treatment would be inl line with the state recommendation: Some oft the acres are in inoperable terrain. "The portions of Stand 8 that border the town of Georgetown, should be thinned... thinning the overstory in these areas will focus less on basal area per acre and more on overstory crown spacing. Crowns spacing should be 10 10 15 feet... The majority of these areas are predominantly dense Douglas-fir with some ponderosa pine in the overstory and the occasional In areas of fuel break mitigation vegetation treatments could include such things as reducing biomass, thinning trees and shrubs, and/or removing ladder fuels. The CSFS publications, Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested Subdivisions and Communities, (Dennis, not dated) and Lodgepole. Pine Management Guidelines for Land Managers in the Wildland-Urban Asr noted in those publications, ... crown separation is a more critical factor for luelbreaks than a fixed tree density level. A 10-foot minimum spacing between the edges of tree crowns is recommended on level ground. "The minmum recommended fuelbreak width is approximately 300 feet for level ground. Since fire activity intensifies as slope increases, the overall fuelbreak width must also increase... Widths are also increased when severe topographic conditions are encountered. Guidelines for fuelbreak widths on slopes are given on page 27. Small, isolated groups oftrees may be retained for visual diversity. Increase crown spacing around any groups oftrees for aesthetic reasons and to reduce fire intensities and torching potential." Where stands ofl lodgepole pine exist there is potential for wind throw if fuelbreak thinning creates "wind" corridors in the forest. Iti is recommended that thinning be accomplished by leaving groups of30 to 50 trees separated by 30-50 feet from adjacent groups oftrees to create the desired spacing effect. This will assist these stands to bes self-supportive in wind events. Treatment would be primarily hand thinning with some mechanical, and with slash pile and treatment ofmaterial or some use ofwood for biomass business purposes. Cost would be approximately $2200/acre. The community team should consult with the Golden District of the Colorado State Forest Service foradvice on getting an up-to-date cost estimate when it  wildfire research and economics ofsuch actions.  Rocky Mountain, juniper...  Interface (Dennis et al) should be followed.  begins the process to accomplish this project.  Page 42 of87    3321Acres  Georgetown East cos  Georgetown East Mitigation Unit  Page 43 of87    3321Acres  Georgetown East  Page 44 of87    Figure 9  Georgetown Open Space/Rec. Land Stand 8 Thinning Unit Map  Legend Operable Area Stands and Features Stand StandB. Open/Stoep Mlxed Conifor Slandg Ponderosa pine/Douglas-fi  1,200 1,600  1:4,616  Georgetown East: CO State Forest Service Map Used in Planning  Page 45 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 4: Mitigation for Silverdale Unit  The team selected the Silverdale area next to the town water reservoir south of town as the fourth priority for mitigation. The unit outline on the next page includes 45 acres of Georgetown Open The recommendation is that the unit be analyzed by Clear Creek Fire. Authority and a forester and treated wherever possible. Treatment would be in line with the state recommendation: As the state report states: "Stand 2 has the highest potential of all the stands to be thinned throughout the entire stand. Ofthe 45 acres that comprise Stand 2, 43.8 acres are considered accessible. Generally, slopes of 30% or less and areas near existing roads are considered accessible. Some areas with steeper slopes that can still be hiked in are considered accessible, "The aspen in this stand are generally in decline and the aspen regeneration is in poor shape. Many lodgepole pines have had their original tops removed and now have stunted growth and poor. form, Mountain pine beetle activity, old and recent, is evident in the pine species of this stand. Douglas-fr has entered and is entering the overstory crowding the pine and aspen... "Thinning in this stand. should focus on improving the overall stand health by firs! largeting the problems outlined in the preceding paragraph... Reducing potential fre behavior and impacts Preferably the stand should be thinned from below to about 80 to 90 square feet of basal area per acre. Thinning to this siandardwillresulr in a removal ofaboul 20% of the trees...  Space lands. This unit coincides with the slate's recommended unit.  bul only for operations with hand carried equipment..  will reduce potential erosion into Clear Creek.  . Trees killed by insecis or disease should also be removed... *  In: areas of fuel break mitigation vegetation treatments could include such things as reducing biomass, thinning trees and shrubs, and/or removing ladder fuels. The CSFS publications, Fuelbreuk Guidelines for Forested Subdivisions and Communities, (Dennis, not dated) and Lodgepole Pine Management Guidelines for Land Managers in the Wildland-Urban As noted in those publications, . ..crown separation is a more critical factor for fuelbreaks than a fixed tree density level. A 10-foot minimum spacing between the edges of tree crowns is recommended on level ground. "The minimum recommended fuelbreak width is approximately 300 feet forlevel ground. Since fire activity intensifies as slope increases, the overall fuelbreak width must also increase... Widths are also increased when severe topographic conditions are encountered. Guidelines for fuelbreak widths on slopes are given on page 27. Small, isolated groups oft trees may be retained for visual diversity. Increase crown spacing around any groups oftrees for aesthetic reasons and to reduce fire intensities and torching potential." Where stands of lodgepole pine exist there is potential for wind throw if fuelbreak thinning creates "wind" corridors in the forest. Itis recommended that thinning be accomplished by  Interface (Dennis et al) should also be followed.  Page 46 of87    leaving groups of30 to 50 trees separated by 30-50 feet from adjacent groups of trees to create the desired spacing effect. This will assist these stands to bes self-supportive in wind events. Treatment would be primarilyhand thinning with some mechanical, and with slash pile and treatment of material or some use of wood for biomass business purposes. Cost would be approximately $2200/acre. The community team should consult with the Golden District of the Colorado State Forest Service for advice on getting an up-to-date cost estimate when it  begins the process to accomplish this project.  Page 47 of87    Slandg  Silvordale  Silverdalc Mitigation Unit  Page 48 of87    Figure 7  Georgetown Open Space/Rec. Land Stand 2 Thinning Unit Map  Legend Operable Area Stand2 -Lodgepole pine/Aspen  150  600 900  1.200 Feet  1:3,078  Silverdale Area: CO State Forest Service Map Used in Planning  Page 49 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 5: Mitigation for Georgetown North  The team selected the steep landscape overlooking the eastem side of the north end of Georgetown as the fifth priority for mitigation. The unit outline on the next page includes 27,36 acres, including portions oft the state's recommended unit 9 which was limited to Georgetown Open Space lands. Wildfire in this unit could involve all lands in the forested area. The recommendation is that the unit be: analyzed by Clear Creek Fire Authority and a forester and treated wherever possible. Treatment would be in line with the state recommendation: Some "The majority of the 52 acres in Stand 9 can be accessed from the Saxon Mountain Road. This stand is broken into a. series of benches separated by steep draws and hillsides. Since access into and within this stand is made possible by the Saxon Mountain Road, a good portion ofthis "Stand 9 is a ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir mix... Reducing the threat of crown fires and increasing vigor in remaining trees will be the objectives in thinning this stand. Thus, this. stand In areas of fuel break mitigation vegetation treatments could include such things as reducing biomass, thinning trees and shrubs, and/or removing ladder fuels. The CSFS publications, Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested. Subdivisions and Communities, (Dennis, not dated) and Lodgepole. Pine Management Guidelines, for Land Manugers in the Wildland-Urban As noted in those publications, . crown separation is a more critical factor for fuelbreaks than a fixed tree density level. A 10-foot minimum spacing between the edges of tree crownsis recommended on level ground. "The minimum recommended fuelbreak width is approximately 300 feet for level ground. Since fire activity intensifies as slope increases, the overall fueibreak width must also increase... Widths are also increased when severe topographic conditions are encountered. Guidelines for fuelbreak widths on slopes are given on page 27. Small, isolated groups oft trees may be retained for visual diversity. Increase crown spacing around any groups oft trees for aesthetic reasons and to reduce fire intensities and torching potential." Where stands of lodgepole pine exist there is potential for wind throw if fuelbreak thinning creates "wind" corridors in the forest. Itis recommended that thinning be accomplished by leaving groups of30 to. 50 trees separated by 30-50 feet from adjacent groups of trees to create the desired spacing effect. This will assist these stands to bes self-supportive in wind events. Treatment would be primarily hand thinning with some mechanical, and with slash pile and treatment ofmaterial or some use ofwood for biomass business purposes. Cost would be approximately $2200/acre. The community team should consult with the Golden District of  ofthe acres are in inoperable terrain.  stand, can be thinned.  will be thinned to increase the overstory crown: spacing lo 10 10 15 feet.. 1  Interface (Dennis et al) should also be followed.  Page 50of87    the Colorado State Forest Service for advice on getting an up-to-date cost estimate when it  begins the process to accomplish this project.  Page 51 of87    2788Acres  Georgetown North cost  Georgetown North Mitigation Unit  Page 52 of87    Georgetown North  Georgetown North Mitigation Unit  Page 530 of87    Figure 10  Georgetown Open Space/Rec. Land Stand 9 Thinning Unit Map  Legend Operable Arsa Stands and Features Stand Stand8 Open/Steep Mixed Conifer Stand9-Ponderosa: pine/Douglas-fir,  187.5 375  750  1,125 1.500  1:3,725  Georgetown North: CO State Forest Service Map Used in Planning  Page 54 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 6: Mitigation thinning on area roadways  Roadways  The CCC CWPP calls for shaded fuel breaks along "all forested secondary community access roads."N Mitigation will work to keep fire from encroaching over roadways to enable evacuation While there ist no significant forest encroachment along primary roadways or secondary neighborhood access, all roads will be evaluated for mitigation thinning. The basic recommendation is to perform thinning along main roadways. Thin (mostly dead fall) up to 50 feet on either side of the road, following guidelines (listed below). The recommendation is for,  fuel break clearing of dead standing and dead-fall conifèrous growth and dead low growth with only moderate live-ground growth removal, then seeding with appropriate mixes to encourage, grass cover and preven! soil erosion. Simple removal of standing and downed dead timber growth could accomplish the majority of the "shading". Ifitis assumed up to 50 feet would be involved on either side of the road this means maximum acreage Treatment would be in accordance with measures in the stewardship plan and the following: The USFS standard for roadside mitigation/hazard tree removal: : implement hazard tree removal activities within a distance equal to 110% oft the height of the tallest hazard tree from the edge of: I) National Forest System (NFS) roads open to motorized travel (maintenance levels two through five): 2) federal, state, county, or other permitted roads..." In this case the height oft the tallest tree within the treatment zone would be The Colorado State Forest Service "Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested Subdivisions and  and ingress by emergency units.  would be approximately 12.12 acres per mile.  used.  Communities" by Frank Dennis  Page 55 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 7: Georgetown Watershed Area Mitigation of Georgetown Reservoir  The Georgetown' watershed, primarily the reservoir and downstream, is the 4th priority recommendation for mitigation. These treatments would be beneficial to slow the spread of wildfire and mitigate its effects, protecting the area immediately surrounding the reservoir to avoid siltation into the reservoir, and protecting the roadway into the reservoir and the area Section 7.2.7oft the CCC CWPP notes that: "In the early strategic planning phases ofthe project, the county's watershed. resources were Identified as crilical value at risk.. Section 1.3, Goals and Objectives, states "recommend. mitigation. measures that contribute t0 the conservation of fheadwater watershed. resources, and other natural and economic assets. " "A county's "Watershed. Interface' - was... identified as a separate area ofconcern, from the actual WUI management zones.. The primary risk to watersheds from wildfire is the post-fire erosion that occurs after. stabilizing ground cover has been removed. Sediment clogs. streams Flectrvelvmligating an entire watershed with the goal ofpreventing potential debris flow is likelvani impossible goal to achieve. Landscape-scale treatments in rugged and inaccessible terrain are logisticallyand, financially impractical. Treatment recommendations may, however, take into account watershed resources where they intersect with designated WUI treatment zones. With a I-mile buffer placed arounde each WUI, the majority of the "watershed interface" - In areas of fuel break mitigation vegetation treatments include: reducing biomass, thinning trees and shrubs, and/or removing ladder fuels. The CSFS publications, Fuelbreak Guidelines, for Forested Subdivisions and Communities, (Dennis, not dated) and Lodgepole Pine Management Guidelines for Land Managers in the Wildland -Urban Interface (Dennis et al) As noted in those publications (see pp.36-38),". crown separation is a more critical factor for fuelbreaks than a fixed tree density level. A minimum 10-foot spacing between the edges oftree crowns is recommended on level ground. "The minimum recommended fuelbreak widthi is approximately 300 feet for level ground. Since fire activity intensifies as slope increases, the overall fuelbreak width must also increase... Widths are also increased when severe topographic conditions are encountered. Guidelines for fuelbreak widths on slopes are given on page 37. As this area is at timberline the setback from the reservoir was mapped at 150 feet for this exercise. Small, isolated groups of trees may be retained for visual diversity. Increase crown spacing around any groups oftrees for aesthetic reasons and to reduce fire intensities and torching potential." Actual distances involved would be determined by a professional forester.  downstream from the reservoir,  and reservoirs, and fouls water treatment, facilities.  is covered. Georgetown Reservoir  should be followed.  Page 560 of87    Dead, diseased, weakened, and malformed conifer trees would be removed. The harvesting of conifer trees would occur as necessary to achieve the desired density. Conifer trees would be limbed up approximately 10 feet from the ground and limbs removed. Ladder fuels, such as small trees and shrubs, are thinned out so that fire will not easily burn from the ground into the Leavenworth Creek Road: The team will combine with CCC and CCFA to review the Leavenworth Creek road to see ifareas need to be thinned for effective evacuation and access. Green and Clear Lakes and Lower and Upper Cabin Creek Reservoirs: Mitigation around Green and Clear lakes and' both Lower and Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir appears to be good. The team supports continued efforts to keep areas immediately adjacent to these bodies ofwater clear and/or thinned to avoid hot buring fires from fostering siltation into them, In both reservoir and road areas treatment would be primarily hand thinning with some mechanical, and with slash pile treatment of material or some use of wood for biomass business purposes. Cost would be approximately $2500/acre. The community team should consult with the Golden District of the Colorado State Forest Service advice on getting an up-to- date cost estimate when it begins the process to accomplish this project.  forest canopy.  Page 57 of87    Georgetown CWPIP  a  Georgetown Watershed Protection Area  Page 58 of87    02014Euopal Tcchnokgies 0201:Gooyio  Googleearth  199)  Enagery Daie:923/20:1 160SN7 eler 10026ft Cycat 131936 o  Figure XX: Green Lake and Clear Lakes  Page 59 of87    Googlecath  381  gerDate 923/20:1 39:3976.070 :05'4273.4W cev :0009 f: G738O  Figure XN: Lower Cabin Creek Reservoir  Page 60 of87    02013F:ro.  Googlecath  971201: 3AAB-0ASV lev 1135! 1S112906 o  Figure XX: Upper Cabin Creck Reservoir  Page 61 of87    Recommended Treatment Priority 8 Power Transmission and Distribution Lines  Mitigation Actions  The Georgetown area hosts transmission and distribution lines managed by Xcel Energy. The CWPIP team endorses mitigation actions and schedules currently set by Xcel Energy and recommend their continued maintenance toj provide protection for both electrical distribution and mitigation on potential wildfire affects as they might impact on the Georgetown area. The recommendation is that the team and community should work with the transmission entities toi improve and maintain utility line fuel breaks in accordance with industry standards to enhance the protection of these facilities during any wild fire event, The power and communication companies should be consulted to identify their standards and any unique protection methods recommended. The objective is to create a fire resistant landscape that accommodates power and communication transmission needs plus the prolection ofrelated infrastructure. Mitigation should assure right-of-way around power lines is free of trees or limbs that may cause damage, cost, environment, practicality and capacity. The objective ofthis projecti tis development ofa fire resistant landscape that accommodates electrical power transmission Following are selected portions of Excel Energy's maintenance statement:  needs.  "Public Service Company ofColorado (PSCo) is wholly owned by Xcel Energy Inc. and is an PSCo owns and maintains high voltage transmission lines that trave erse through the Georgetown plan area from North to South along the West side ofl Interstate 70 crossing through Georgetown and South generally along South Clear Creek and Leavenworth Creek drainage areas. PSCo performs routine vegetation management activities on a five year maintenance cycle supplemented by hazard tree patrols and hazard tree mitigation... typical work... utilizes manual foot crews with chainsaws... Vegetation that encroaches within required conductor clearances will be mitigated. PSCo also mitigates vegetation that could encroach... between scheduled routine maintenance cycles... Surface fuel loads near structures and poles may be reduced. The right-of-way width is approximately 100',50' to each side of center line. any trees identified by limited visual inspection that exhibit biological or envyironmental factors creating an unacceptable risk of failing and impacting electrical conductors and arel located outside of this declining forest health and changing climatic conditions have escalated the severity of wildfires throughout forested lands in Colorado. PSCO is actively working with property owners on lands adjacent to these transmission line structures in effort to create defensible space around these structures. This vegetation management will improve forest health generally, and help to better minimize the damaging effects ofwildfires passing near these power lines...  Xcel Energy company.  approximate right-of-way width will also be mitigated.  Page 62 of87    Dependent upon structure material, Wood, steel or Aluminum, material specific radial treatment zones have been developed to reduce the threat ofsurface fires impact on these structures by reducing surface fuel loads to less than 10 tons per acre and by reducing the threat of crown fire spread by thinning trees to less than 40 percent crown closure. Much of this work is located outside of right-of-way and requires agreement from adjacent property owners whether private property, County or United States Forest service... Public Service Company ofColorado has entered into al Memorandum of Understanding and Collection Agreement with the United States Forest Service to facilitate these vegetation treatments on Forest Service lands thereby reducing PSCO also owns and operates electric distribution lines located throughout the Georgetown PSCo performs routine vegetation management activities on a five year maintenance cycle PSCo's clearance guidelines for electric distribution lines are based on local tree growth rates, specific to individual trees on specific circuits. Specific clearançes are determined based on species growth rates, as well as line voltage, construction of facilities, electric reliability performance and other factors. Therefore, each individual tree needs to be assessed to determine  the risks of passing wildlires to these transmission structures.  CWPIP.  supplemented by hazard tree patrols and hazard tree mitigation...  adequate clearance..." *  Page 63 of87    Section 6: PLAN MPLEMENTATION AND FOLLOW UP  Creating and implementing this CWPIP has the potential to significantly reduce possible wildfire effects. This will require the efforts of: a committed CWPIP team with the assistance and cooperation of adjacent agencies (County, State and Federal), local interest groups, and the citizens ofthe area. The effectiveness of this plan will be the result of actions taken over time; Maintenance and administration of the Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan are critical. To again quote the CCC CWPP, "The most effective means t0 initiate local action is through communilv education and public outreach. An annual communify meeting in thes spring can: spur action on the part ofneighborhoods and individuals. This can be aj forum for presentatons by experis in the field and allow for coordination of"cleanup" efforts within the communily, Firewise materials and postings should be made available 10 the public al each fire station, pos! office, HOA. and: school on a regular basis. A disposal method for yard waste should be coordinated everys spring. This may be coordinatedwith communily. spring cleanup activities and may include the coordination ofa central disposal site, mobile chipping services, or ah hauling service. An example would be the scheduling ofo an annual "Slash Day, taking Accomplishing property defensible space, retrofit ofstructures 10 defensible standards, fuels mitigation projects, and completing such objectives as escape roules, additional water sources, and other goals require time, funding and resources. Ongoing community education and demonstration events are needed to demonstrate the necessity of taking personal action. Grant funding, contract crews, and volunteer projects can be spread out over a number ofyears. The CWPIP is meant tol be a "living document" which is updated annually to pursue priority concerns in wildfirel hazard mitigation throughout the Georgelown Area. The overall goal of 2). Adjusting the plan to account for changes in wildfire hazard conditions, response capabilities,  completion ofthe plan is only the beginning.  place every.frst Saturday ofOctober. for instance. "  Maintenance of the Plan  maintaining the CWPIP is accomplished through: 1)Ongoing monitoring of plan accomplishments and effectiveness; technologies and other circumstances; 3)s Setting goals and selecting projects for the coming year: 4) Seeking funding and other project assistance; and 5) Facilitating community project days and other events.  The CWPIP team should be an ongoing team as long as the community and planning The team should operate in collaboration with the Clear Creek Fire Authority. The CWPIP team should sustain itselft through recruitment of new members as needed, and selection ofa team chair person from among its members. If direction or assistance is needed to maintain operations the team chair should consult with the Fire. Authority Chief, the Clear Creek County Officeof Emergency Management, and the State Forest Service Golden District office to assist with evaluation of the continuing need and assistance in reconstituting a CWPIP management team.  efforts have need ofs such direction.  Page 64 of87    The Georgetown. Arca CWPIP commitice should establish guidelines for representation and ongoing operation at its first meeting following county and: state acceptance ofi Ihis plan. The composition of the CWPIP team should retain professional representation from the included areas in and around Georgetown, the Georgetown council, Georgetown Historic District, Clear Creek County, the Clear Creek Fire Authority, Colorado State Forest Service, and the US Forest Service. While these professional groups may not be available for every meeting they should be invited and consulted on a regular basis. Representation from the above noted groups is very important. This representation could be on ar rotating basis to involve different areas and reduce Team meetings should be held at least quarterly (it may be desirable to meet more often as summer approaches each year) to review plan goals, actions and public response. Each year the CWPIP team should conduct aj perlormance review to evaluate accomplishments and problems over the past year. The team should also consider any proposed changes to the CWPIP for the upcoming year and select new or reselect ongoing project goals. The team should consult with the State Forest Service, USFS, the county and fire authority, and reach out t0 stakeholders during plan review and project development. Timing should be guided by grant submission The overall CWPIP evaluation, recommended changes, and upcoming project goals should be presented to the public through various media: newspaper; community meelings; local informational outreach methods, Community Wildfire days; and on county and fire department The CWPIP plan and team contact list should be available on the Georgetown website, Clear Creek County website, and the CCC Fire Authority website sO the public can offer ideas at any The CWPIP team, in conjunction with the Fire Authority, the county and/or other groups, should organize or take part in an annual community open house each spring to keep the public continuously aware ofhealthy forest restoration and wildfire mitigation needs and opportunities. The team should develop or participate in demonstration days, chipping days, and other opportunities in area neighborhoods to showcase projects, techniques, and newi ideas. Such events contribute greatly to public education and encourage people to become involved. The CWPIP team should follow up on completed projects, using a monitoring and evaluation I)Implementation: Track the CWPIP project(s) as laid-out for the year and assess the suçcess 2) Execution of Project: What issues occurred that either aided or impeded the project? 3) Maintenance Needs and Monitoring: Evaluates, determines and prioritizes areas that have been treated in the past, but are in need ofr maintenance treatments to maintain effectiveness as  Following are. some guidelines to be considered by the team:  thei impact on participants.  dates.  websites.  time for the team to consider.  format which addresses the following issues:  level ofexecution;  Page 65 of87    originally intended. Lessons leamed from monitoring and data collection will be useful for  modifying project plans to better meet CWPIP goals and objectives.  Page 660 of87    Section 7: APPENDICES  APPENDIX A: Publications and websites  APPENDIX B: Appendix from the Clear Creek County CWPP which shows each community in the county and how they rated when evaluated for wildfire APPENDIX C: Tips on insurance coverage from a United Policyholders APPENDIX D: Wildfire Action Planning - The Ready, Set, Go! Program APPENDIX E: Clear Creek County Wildfire Hazard Mitigation  risk and hazard. handout.  (RSG) and Code Red Requirements  Page 67 of87    APPENDIXA  Websites and Publications for Assistance  Following is al listing of websites and publications available from the Colorado State Forest Service and elsewhere which provide guidance on a range ofr mitigation activities and grant opportunities which will aid communities in lessening thei impact of wildfire. Residents are The following publications can be viewed on the Colorado State Forest Service website page for Publications: htipllcsfs.colosiate cdisepub-si2him (or linked directly from below). Ifyouneed copies for events contact the CSFS to order (see website) or you may have  encouraged to view these sites.  to print them from the website. Grant Opportunities: CO State Forest Service:  Funding Assistance: htp.llesf.colosiate. edwnaees/lamdinehm!  Land Owner & Assistance Programs: htp!sf.olosaledu/dLandowner  CommunivinanctalAsistane'prams-revd2l-l6ndr Natural Resource and GrantAssistance Database: http:/nrdb.csfs.colostate.edulHome/Search  Firewise: tpmy.firwieer  General Resources (Ctrl + Click to follow to site) Presentation on Wildfire Policy in Transition Resources for Homeowners & Landowners Clear Creek County CWPP: county to the plan Fire-Resistant Landscaping Forest Home Fire Safety FireWise Plant Materials Grass Seed Mixes to Reduce Wildfire Havard Are You FireWise? Notebook Home Fire Protection Livingwith Fire Page 68 of87  Wildfire Policyi in Transition: Where There's Smoke. There's.. Mirrors  httpilesis.colostate.esaleadi/nage/CommunirWidfire'roiectionPlanshtmt (go down list by Creating Wildfire Defensible Zones: THIS IS A BASIC DEFENSIBLESPACE DOCUMENT  http:llcsfs. sseelwdNIRE02 I DspaeQluickGuidendfr    Wildfire and Insurance: htip:llcsfs. colostate. edu/pdfs/2011 Co wildfire brochure. pdf Landowners Guide to Thinning: http:llcsfs. colostate. edu/pdfslandowner g4thin scr.pdf  Residential Fire Resistant Paint: FireWise Construction Decks Roofing Materials Siding Windows and Glass Resources for Communities  Firewise Construction: Design and Materials by Peter Slack  Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested Subdivisions & Communities Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Handbook Community Guide to Preparing & Implementing a CWPP = 2008 Community Wildfire Protection Plan Evaluation Guide CWPP Minimum Standards REVISED 2009 Vegetative Recovery after Wildfire Soil Erosion Control after Wildfire Insects and Diseases Associated with Forest Fires "After the Fire" Safety Tips Factsheet  Post-Fire  Websites  Colorado State Forest Service: tpciscolostalecd Clear Creek Fire Authority: htplwww.clearcreekfire.com Clear Creek County: http:lwww.co.clear-creekco.us  Agency/Front Range Group/Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) Arapahoe National Forest: htnw.sidsl2usiamlinderahtm! Front Range Roundtable: htni/fontrangeroundableorylome Page.php Healthy Forest Restoration Act-background and information: htplen.wilkinedinorlwikleallhy Forests Initiative  Healthy Forest Restoration Act - official website: htp/www.foresisandranselandzgov.  Page 69 of87    APPENDIX B  Below is the Appendix from the Clear Creek County CWPP which shows each community in the  county and how they rated when evaluated for wildfire hazard.  Clear Creek County CWPP  Appendix D- Community Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessments  Community Survey Summaries and Hazard Ratings  OLEANCREEK COUNTVWU AMaas Pave cardcret meery Vaey. .EFPO  Fau aey rock EcnoHts EFPD Empre MWSt: F2D onngs Viey dono Somcs a Baar Loe19) FAE LPrIIC a Fo CrHL Vatey  akes ver Vaey OC Eouspng Equaws Msuran FMRuen EMVAICE TCR PHEHIRMY UPeMC UCE gracagn Vont Guch  Page 70of87    APPENDIX C  The following insurance tips are paraphrased from a United Policykolders handout and are good tips forhome and business owners in the wildland-urban interface. Insurance companies are well aware oft the CWPP and Firewise efforts and are taking more in depth looks at how home  owners are protecting and mitigating their properties.  Preparedness Tips from the Trenches  What do disaster victims wish they'd known about insurance before they had a loss?  How can Iavoid the most common gaps in coverage? people's ability to rebuild and recover after a disaster.  What helps fire fighters savel homes during wildfires and after earthquakes? Insurance money - not charitable or goverment aid makes the biggest difference in FEMA money is needs-based and the maximum grant is $25k. SBA loans take time and have to be repaid, Charitable aid generally covers basic needs - not the Avoid gaps in coverage. Ifmoney's tight, raise your deductible to keep premium Ini most cases, the true replacement value of your property gets underestimated at the point of sale and as years goes by. Ask your insurer if you' re covered for llooding, earthquakes, and a total loss from wildfire. Aftera 2007 wildfire in San Diego County, 75% of the victims found themselves Shop around to find which company offers the best discounts for "mitigation" Panels won'tcost a forlune but will make your home safer and more insurable. Ifyou don'thave insurance coverage for flooding and earthquakes, consider Complete as much of the UP Home Inventory as you can, then store the records Ask your local Firel Department if they'll inspect and certify for an insurance Get help ifyouri insurer drops you and you can'tfind replacement coverage.  cost ofr rebuilding al home. costs down.  Have the right kind and amount ofi insurance on your property:  underinsured by an average ofr more than $100,000,  and/or retrofitting". buyingi it. offsitei in asafe place. Avoid letting your insurance lapse.  company that you' ve cleared brush adequately. Read "Dropped byyour insurer?' at wwwupheporgnl/wheriogolbpheippdr  Have an evacuation plan that includes "grab and go"oroff-site  access to important documents.  Page 71of87    The #1 thing that helps fire fighters savel homes is brush clearance. Clean out gutters and roof drains regularly. Install screens on all your roofvents to keep embers from flying in. Install spark arrestors in chimneys and get the chimney professionally cleaned periodically. Keep a copy of your policy in a safe place away from your home and belter yet, scan the complete document onto your computer or onto a UP Roadmap to Preparedness Flash Drive. informution, presented in this publication is for generul informutional purposes, and should not be taken us legal advice. Ifyou haveus specific legal issue or problen, United Policyholders recommends that you consult with an uttorney. Guidunce on hiring professionul help can be found in the "Find Help"section ehmp-Ammaupheorg United Policyholders does not sell insurance or certif, endorse or warrant any oft thei insurance products, vendurs or professionals identified ut our wehsite. United Policyholders respects and protects the privucy ofa all individuals iho communicate with us. W'e  do not sell or share our membership or mailing lists.  Page 72 of87    APPENDIX D Wildfire Action Planning  Code Red Smart911 CodeRed:  The Ready, Set, Go! Program (RSG): nwidamdresGor CodeRED: Why the county would be Calling Youin an Emergency The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Offiçe Communications Center has contracted for "CodeRed"M" high-speed telephone emergency notification services sometimes referred to as "reverse 9118' ". The CodeRed system allows emergency dispatchers the ability to deliver public safety messages to targeted areas or the entire county at a rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour. This service includes those residents and businesses in the municipalities ofIdaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown and Silver Plume as well as the unincorporated area of the county. These calls warn citizens of danger. Multiple phones within a designated area can be called simultaneously to warn residents of flood, fire, tomadoes, chemical spills, or dangerous suspects. Ifyou receive a CodeRED call, the voice on thel line will let you know it's a message from the Sherifl's Office. Also, your caller ID should display the agency's name and a call-back number. The e911 system works with all phones that have a' TDD line (for the hearing impaired). Ify you have a telephone zapper used to block out telemarketers, or ifyour phone is blocked to unknown The CodeRED system calls numbers from two databases. One is the county's 911 database, with all listed and unlisted land lines. Ifyoul have al land line, it is aulomatically included in this The second is ar new database of mobile phone and VoIP numbers established in 2009 whose owners have opted in to receive the calls. Ifyou don'thave at traditional land line phone, or would like to receive a cell phone call in addition to the call on your land line phone, consider htips/cne.coderediveredneb.com/Delaul. nspx/groupid-gxl9lUOMVZ20.A1210963d9a3d  callers, you will not receive e911 calls. Opt In to CodeRED database.  registering for this free service. To register go to:  Smart911:  Smart911 is a free service that allows citizens across the U.S. to create a Safety Profile for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from aj phone associated with their Safety Profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location. At a time when seconds count, being about to provide 9-1-1 with all details that could impact response the second an emergency call is placed could be the difference between life and death. Itis on the  Page 73 of87    internet at: hip/hvsmyI.con This program assists firefighters to teach individuals who live in high risk wildfire areas and the widlandurban-interface (WUI) how to best prepare The RSG Program stresses that when firelighters encourage residents to take personal responsibility for preparing their property and family for wildland fire, residents become an  themselves and their properties against fire threats.  active part oft the solution to the problem ofincreasing fire losses.  Ready-Set-Go!  The RSG Program is at three step process that can significantly increase the safety of residents and the safety ofr responding firefighters. The RSG Program provides the implementation guidance; background knowledge; and presentation tools to assist fire departments in delivering  the program message.  Itis easy to remember andi is easy to implement:  Ready = Preparing for the Fire Threat: Be Ready, Be Firewise. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat ofav wildfire so your home is ready in case ofa fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Make sure all residents residing within the home are on the same page, plan escape routes. For more information about how to be Ready for wildland fires, go to - Set - Situational Awareness When a Fire Starts: Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news from local media and your local fire department for updated Go-1 Leave early! Comply with any evacuation orders and follow evacuation plans early! Your Action Plan makes you prepared and firefighters are now able to maneuver and ensure you and The RSG Program provides tools through its website, wwwwldimdreRsGorg for fire departments that join the program to better understand preparedness techniques; help in identifying local pariners and audiences; useful outreach models and presentation tools; and Following is a Ready, Set, Go brochure designed specifically for this area by Einer Jensen, formerly with CCC Fire Authority and now with South Metro. It provides very good  Firewise.org.  information on the lire. your family's safety.  general background on wildland fire activity.  information for home owners  Page 74 of87    BBADY, SBL, CO!  Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan  50071! FI METRO    READY, SET, GO! Wildfire Action Plan Saving Lives and Property through Advance Planning  The fire season is now a reality throughout Fire is, and always has been, a natural part the year in Colorado, which means that both af the beautiful area where we've chosen to firefghters and residents have to be on live. Wildfires, fueled by a build-up of dry heightened alert for the threat of wildfire at vegetation and driven by hot, dry winds, are Colorado's firelighters take every precaution homes and landscaped without fully under- tohelp protect you and your property from a standing the impact a fire could have on wildfire. Residents need to do the same. Suc- them. This publication will help you prepare cessfully preparing for a wildfire requires your home so you can leave early, confident you. to take personal responsibility for pro- that you've done everything you reasonably will notl be enough fire engines or firefighters It's not a question of if, but when, the next to defend every home, so residents must be- wildfre will occur. That's why the most im- Ify your home barders or sits with a mile or aration, you can dramatically increase your two of a natural area, what firefighters call safety and the survivabllity of your property.  all times.  extremely dangerous and almost impossible to contral Many residents have built their  tecting yourself, your family and your prop- can to protect your home.  erty. During a major wildfire, there simply  come part of the solution.  portant person protecting your life and prop- erty is you. With advance planning and prep- Now, Get Ready, Get Set, Gol  the Wildland Urban Interface, you are at risk from a wildfre. And, if you live within one mile af a natural area, you live in the Ember Zone. Homes in the Ember Zone are atrisk from wind-driven embers from a wild-  fire. Reçent fires across the nation have re- This publication was prepared by the Fire & Life sulted in entire neighborhoods being de- Safety Educators ofColorado, Fire Marshals Asso- stroyed by fires started by embers, not the ciation of Colorado and Colorado State Fire This publication will help guide you through ments and life safety professionals could have a the process of making your home resistant to common resource for educating their dtizens wildfires and your family ready to leave ear- about wildfire prevention, mitigation and reac- ly and safely. We call this process, "Ready, tion. Many agencies will supplement this infor-  wildfire itself  Chiefs Association so that Colorado's fire depart-  Set, Go!"  mation with programming geared specifically for Colorado: Ready, Set, Go! also is supported by:  You will learn about the Ember Zone and their communities.  how to retrofit your home with ignition resis- tive features. Well show you the importance ofhaving defensible space around your home and the preparations you need to make so you can leave early, evacuating well ahead af  Pikes Peak Wildifire  thei fire.  Prevention Partners  2    Living in the  Defensible spaceworks! lfyou live next to a natural area, the Wildland Urhan Interface, you must provide firefighters with the defensible spaue Uney need to prulecl yuur hume. The buffer zone you create by removing weeds, brush and other vegetation helps to kocp the fire away from your home and reduces the risks from flying embers.  Wildland Urhan Interlace and the Emberzone Ready. Set. Go! begins with a house that firefighters can defend.  A home within one mile of a natural area is int the Ember Zone, Wind-driven embers can attack your home. You and your home must be prepared well before at fire occurs. Ember fires can destroy homes or neighborhoods far from the actual flame front of the wildfire.  3    What is Defensible Space?  Defensible space is the space between a structure and the wildland area that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of a wildfire to the structure. It protects the home from igniting from direct flame, radiant heat and embers. Defensible space is essential for structure survivability during wildiires.  Zone 1  This zone, which consists of an area of 15 feet around the structure, features the most in- tense modification and treatment. This 15 feet is measured from the outside edge of the home's eaves and any attached structures, such as decks. Limit vegetation within this zone to species an Colorado's FireWise list. Do not plant directly beneath windows ar next to foundation vents. Fre- quently prune and maintain plants in this zone to ensure vigorous growth and a low growth hab- Do not store frewood or other combustible materals in this area. Enclose ar screen decks with metal screening. Extend gravel coverage under the decke. Do not use areas under decks for Ifpanderosas, aspens or blue spruces are growing in this zone, consider them part of the structure and extend the distance of the entire defensible space accordingly. Isolate the tree from any other surrounding trees. Prune low lying branches Gadder fuels that would allow a surface fire to climb into the tree) and any branches that interfere with the roof ar are within 10 feet of the chimney. In all other areas, prune all branches of shrubs or trees up to al height of10 feet  it. Remove dead branches, stems and leaves.  storage.  above ground (or 12 the height, whichever 1s the least).  Zone 2  This zone features fuel reduction efforts and serves as a transitional area between Zanes 1 and 3. The. size of Zone 2 depends on the slope oft the ground where the structure is built. Typical- ly. the defensible space should extend at least 75 to 125 feet from the structure. Remove stressed, diseased, dead or dyig trees and shrubs. Thin and prune the remaining larger trees and shrubs. Be sure to extend thinnmg along either side of your driveway all the way to your main access road. These actions help eliminate the continuous fuel surrounding a structure while enhancing  homesite safety and the aesthetics of the property.  Zone 8  This area of traditional forest management extends from the edge afs your defensible space to your property boundaries. The healthiest: forest is one that has multiple ages, sizes, and spe- cies of trees where adequate growing room is matamed over time. Remember to consider the hazards of ladder fuels. A greater number of wildlife trees can remam in Zone 3. Make sure that  dead trees pose no threat to power. lines or fire access roads.  4  Page 78 of87    Whatis a Hardened Home?  Construction materials and the quality of the defensible space surrounding n are what givesa home the best chance tos survive a wildfire. Embers from a wildfire will find the weak link(s) in your home's firep protection scheme: as small, overlooked or seemingly inconsequential factor with enor- mous potential consequences. However, there are measures' you can take to! safeguard your home from wildfire. While your may not be able to accomplish all the measures listed below, each willi in- crease your home's, and possibly your family's, safety and survivability duringav wildfire.  ROOFING  Roofs arei the most vulnerable surface where embers land because they provide nooks for embers tol lodge andi ig- nite a fire. Roof valleys, open ends of barrel tiles and rain gutters are all vulnerable to ember accumulation. Embers can gather under open eaves andi ignite exposed wood or other combustible material. Embers can enter the attic or other concealed spaces and ignite combustible materials through vents. Ventsi in eaves and cornices are particularly vulnerable, as are any Combustible siding or overlapping materials provide sur- faces and crevices for embers to nestle andi ignite walls. Embers can enter al home through gapsi in doors, indud- ing garage doors. Plants or combustible storage near win- dows can be ignited from embers and generate enough heat tol break windows and/or melt combustible frames. Embers that collect in or on combustible surfaces or the undersides of decks and balconies cani ignite that materi- ala ande enter the home through walls or windows. Tol harden your home further, consider protecting it with aresidential fire: sprinkler system, In addition to extin- guishing or at least containingaf fire started by an ember that enters your home, it also protects you and your fam- ily throughout the year from any firei that may tgnite in-  EAVES VENTS  unscreened vents. WALLS  WINDOWS and DOORS  BALCONIES and DECKS  MORE  side. 5