As outlined in the Steamboat Pilot, there are two main types of qualifying projects for funding:
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- Fuels and Forest Health Projects — must reduce risk of damage to property, infrastructure, water supplies, or other high-value assets from wildfire, or limit the likelihood of wildfires spreading into populated areas. Projects must promote forest health through sciene-based forestry practices that restore ecosystem functions, structures, and species composition.
- Capacity Building Projects — must increase community capacity by providing the community with resources and staffing necessary for forest restoration and wildfire risk mitigation projects.
The following individuals, organizations, or entities may apply:
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- Local community groups such as homeowner, neighborhood, or property associations located within or close to the wildland/urban interface.
- Local government entities including counties, municipalities, fire protection districts, and other special districts in or near the interface.
- Public or private utilities, including water providers, with infrastructure or land ownership in areas with high risk of catastrophic wildfires.
- Nonprofit groups that promote hazardous fuels reduction projects or that engage in firefighting or fire management.
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to match 50 percent of the total project cost. Matching contributions can be cash, in-kind, or a combination of both, and may be in the form of private, local government, state or federal support for the project.
Contact your local field office for details. More information is available at CSFS.colostate.edu/grants or (970)879-0475. Applications are due in mid-October and awards will be announced in April.