Boulder City Council faces criticism over wildfire mitigation plan and funded study

During the Boulder City Council meeting on April 17, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding wildfire mitigation strategies and the city's approach to forest management. The meeting highlighted community concerns about the effectiveness of current practices and the implications of recent studies funded by the city itself.

One of the key topics was a 2022 study conducted by climate scientist Dr. Bridal Buma and others, which examined the impact of forest thinning on wildfire intensity. The findings revealed that forests that had been thinned prior to the 2020 Calwood fire burned just as intensely, if not more so, than uncut forests. The study suggested that the thinning process may have inadvertently increased fire intensity due to factors such as higher ground fuel loads and decreased tree density, which facilitated wind movement.

Despite the study's conclusions, community member Josh Schlossberg criticized the city for not acknowledging this research in its 2024 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. He raised concerns about the city’s plans for extensive tree removal and forest clearing in 2025, arguing that funds could be better allocated to more effective measures like home hardening and creating defensible spaces around residences. Schlossberg called for a moratorium on further tree cutting until a comprehensive review of scientific evidence and public opinion could be integrated into decision-making processes.

The discussions reflect a growing tension between community advocacy for evidence-based environmental management and the city’s current wildfire mitigation strategies. The council's response to these concerns will likely shape future policies and community trust in local governance.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the city faces pressure to reconcile its wildfire management practices with scientific findings and community input. The outcome of these discussions may influence not only environmental policies but also the broader dialogue about community engagement and transparency in Boulder.