Enhancing Community Resiliency

Font Size: + -

Feedback

Town of Superior prides itself in cultivating a community of resiliency, which is the ability to prepare for anticipated disasters, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. See below for current and future projects Town of Superior is pursuing to enhance resiliency and adaptive to future disasters.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

The collaborative efforts between the Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Department and the Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Department reflect a commitment involving more than 150 hours dedicated to completing the sub-application for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding

This grant holds the promise of securing funding over 3.5 million dollars, specifically designated for Superior's ambitious fire mitigation endeavors spanning three years. The program aims to facilitate a comprehensive range of essential mitigation activities. These encompass diverse initiatives, ranging from the reduction of fuel loads in open spaces and fortification of facilities using fire-resistant materials, to the creation of defensible zones around structures.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Impact

Additionally, the program includes vital post-fire soil stabilization techniques, like the introduction of native plant species for erosion control and containment of fire-prone invasive plants. By aligning this project with the overarching objective of bolstering community resilience, Superior is well-positioned to achieve great progress. The prospect of receiving funding in the summer of 2024 signifies a significant stride in mitigation.

Update of Community Wildfire Protection Plan

An depth in field up close image of the tip of a pine branch with fire and smoke in the background. A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is an outcome from collaborative planning that unites a diverse array of stakeholders such as local government, the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), local fire protection districts, and engaged community members.

CWPP Update Focus

This effort focuses on pinpointing and ranking strategies to safeguard lives, assets, and essential infrastructure within the wildland-urban interface (WUI) in the event of a wildfire. The CWPP encompasses an in-depth assessment of key areas, encompassing hazard reduction strategies, the capacity to respond to wildfires, community readiness measures, and the susceptibility of structures to ignition. This involves evaluating many factors such as historical fire occurrences, the state of vegetation (fuels), prevailing weather trends, and the community's ability to effectively manage wildfire incidents. Guided by this comprehensive evaluation, the CWPP delineates a series of strategies and projects aimed at diminishing risks, augmenting community preparedness, and fostering overall resilience.

Current CWPP Efforts

The Town of Superior is currently participating in two CWPP processes, one with Mountain View Fire and Rescue and another with Boulder County. The two CWPP's were awarded to the same consultant and there is collaboration on many levels to ensure the best outcomes.

Mountain View Fire Rescue CWPP Website

Mountain View Fire Rescue CWPP Plan

Boulder County CWPP Website

Colorado State Forest CWPP Minimum Standards

Current Open Space and Infrastructure Management

Goat Grazing

An image of a herd of goats in the open space surrounded by a white high tensile wire fencing.

One of the mitigation best practices Superior has implemented over the last few years is goat grazing. Goats are considered one of the most effective tools in vegetation overgrowth and eat everything in their environment which helps limit overgrowth. Their hooves aerate the soil and their saliva acts as a natural herbicide, which is an added benefit. This helps render the seeds they consume inert so they do not grow next season, reducing overall growth and potential of wildfires. In 2023 they completed 30 acres of Harney-Lastoka open space at the end of the summer.

Mowing

An image of the span of Open Space at Coalton Trailhead off McCaslin Rd, shows the depiction of short grass versus untouched native grass. There is a trailer in the background near the trailhead and the sky is full of clouds.

Superior is implementing mowing twice seasonally to combat the noxious weeds from overgrowing. This is help eliminate the potential wildfire risk with a maintenance schedule. Due to dry conditions in the fall and winter, it is advised one mow in the early summer and one mow in the fall can reduce the threat. This will greatly support resident concerns for control on weed overgrowth on Town property.

Mapping and Removal of Fuels

The ongoing efforts in Superior encompass two vital aspects to enhance wildfire resilience: Firstly, through meticulous mapping and targeted removal of invasive plant species in parks and open spaces, a proactive approach is taken to mitigate factors that can escalate wildfires. This measure aligns with the objective of minimizing potential fire fuel sources and safeguarding critical areas. Secondly, by systematically compiling data and creating comprehensive maps of high-risk wildfire zones within the community, an informed approach is adopted to identify vulnerable regions. Tracking and understanding the location of invasive plant species shows timelines of results of mitigation efforts and their degree of success, and helps to organize future programs and best practices. These initiatives collectively emphasize the commitment to safeguarding the community, fostering preparedness, and reducing the impact of potential wildfire events.

Open Space Ambassador Program

This is a recurring open space volunteer opportunity that focuses on a noxious weed crew. This is a pilot program with a crew of 8 to 12 and expected to expand in the following years. This crew's purpose is to remove designated noxious weed specie from open space lands each month from May to through September. If you have a general interest in getting out and helping maintain and rebuild our Open Spaces, please contact our Open Space Ranger Phary Om.

Collaboration

Collaboration plays a pivotal role in Superior planning efforts, amplifying their effectiveness and impact in numerous ways. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, such as government agencies, local communities, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions, collaborative planning leverages a collective pool of expertise, resources, and perspectives. This multifaceted input enriches the planning process, leading to more comprehensive and well-informed strategies. Open space management information events and preparedness programs for the community with various partners such as Boulder County, Fireshed, Office of Disaster Management, City of Boulder, State Forest Service, and Wildfire Partners. One recent outcome is a storymap on Grassland Management in Boulder County that can be found at this Website Link.

FAQ's to Open Spaces and Mitigation

Are invasive species a concern after a fire?

Invasive species can spread more easily after a fire. The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) supports a volunteer Weed Ambassador Program to empower volunteers to assist with removal of invasive species. To find out more, please visit the Town Volunteer Webpage.

What can we do to help with wildlife recovery?

The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) has begun monitoring wildlife activity in the Town. Please consider volunteering your time to learn how to observe wildlife and submit reports as you observe wildlife. OSAC will work with the Town's wildlife ecologist to see if there are opportunities to enhance wildlife based on these observations. To find out more, please visit the Town Volunteer webpage.

What should I consider when landscaping my property after a fire?

Residents may want to consider a landscaping plan that is more fire resistant and provides defensible space around your home. Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. The use of fire-resistant material to "harden" your property is also something that homeowners may consider. Home hardening addresses the most vulnerable components of your house with building materials and installation techniques that increase resistance to heat, flames, and embers that accompany most wildfires. Resources such as the Homeowner's Guide to Reducing Risk of Structure Ignition from Wildfire, The CSU Extension Front Range Tree List, Wildfire Partners Home Mitigation Checklist, and Northern Water Sustainable Templates. To get involved in an Individual Home Assessment or Community Assessment, fill out an application on the Wildfire Partners website.

What measures is the Town conducting for wildfire mitigation?

The Town is working on a number of measures for wildfire mitigation. To stay updated for current wildfire mitigation projects, please read about our goat grazing, mowing, mapping and removal of fuels, Open Space Ambassador Program, and collaboration projects.

The Town is also promoting community outreach programs to help educate the community on wildfire mitigation tips. Check out Disaster Preparedness and Recovery website event calendar for upcoming programs. If there is not a program that is being offered, check our video library website for resources and past events that have been recorded if it pertains to what you might be looking for.

Community Resilience Initiatives

Climate Preparedness Roadmap

Boulder County AlertWest Camera Pilot Project

The Boulder County camera pilot project with AlertWest began in 2022. The camera system uses AI to scan the video feed for signs of smoke. Upon detection, a "human intelligence" center where the data is reviewed by a person before an alert is pushed out to subscribing parties. This system is being evaluated and the County is hoping to install more cameras in the future. The cameras do not show live video, update with still images, and are susceptible to power outages.

Boulder County AlertWest Pilot Project Access: https://alertcolorado.live/