BE91650FAFDBCC988725847A006A21F1 Hearing Summary

Christy Crosser, representing the Town of Estes Park, David Wolf, representing Estes Valley Fire, and Denise Howell, representing the City of Manitou Springs provided a municipal perspective on wildfires.  Chief Wolf discussed the 2012 Woodland Heights fire and the limited destruction due to a quick response.

Ms. Crosser spoke about the recovery effort after the Woodland Heights fire, including grant and loan programs, multi-agency collaboration, and the need to expand local broadband.  

She also discussed the impact that news and social media has on tourism. 

Ms. Crosser explained the vulnerability of their communication network during harsh weather conditions and natural disasters, and discussed future opportunites.

Ms. Crosser mentioned that Estes Park understands the importance of collaboration and has pursued additional partnerships, including joining the Colorado Resiliency and Recovery Network.

Ms. Crosser indicated that it is importation to have plans, processes, and policies in place in advance of a disaster.

There was a discussion about future mitigation and education.  Chief Wolf said that there are plans with the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service regarding operations during a fire where there are shared boundaries.

There was a discussion about communication when 911 is down.

Ms. Howell talked about the City of Manitou Springs including expeiriencing a damaging event (fires and floods) every six years.

She explained that the City of Manitou Springs has created an integrated community master plan, a hazardous risk assessment, and a mitigation strategy, and mentioned that education is key for businesses, homeowners, and tourists.

Ms. Howell explained the work Manitou Springs has done on updating planning codes and creating assessments to determine if a property is at risk.

She explained that the city has met with county emergency management and taken a community approach with fire adapted communities.

There was a discussion about grant programs for fire mitigation and the 50 percent local match, advanced warning systems for floods and reverse 911 capabilities.