The Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a special meeting on September 30, 2025, primarily focused on the approval of Resolution 25-37. This resolution aims to initiate a project for studying wildfire evacuation routes within Custer County, particularly in relation to potential wildfires affecting United States Forest Service land. The funding for this project is proposed to come from Title 3 of the federal Secure Rural Schools Act.

The meeting began with a motion to adopt the resolution, which was seconded and opened for discussion. A key point of contention arose regarding the interpretation of allowable uses under Title 3. One commissioner expressed concerns that the proposed study did not align with the definition of a welfare protection plan, suggesting that it was a stretch to categorize it as part of developing a community wildfire protection plan (CWPP). The commissioner highlighted that Custer County currently lacks an updated CWPP, which is critical for effective emergency management.

Robin Canopy, the county's Emergency Management Director, clarified that while a CWPP is not in place, the study could contribute to developing evacuation plans as part of a broader wildfire protection strategy. However, concerns were raised about the county's readiness and the necessity of investing $48,000 in a traffic study, especially given the county's limited resources compared to more populated areas.

Further discussion included the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan and the importance of community engagement in emergency preparedness. One public commenter, John Van Dorn, emphasized the value of the proposed study, arguing that it would provide actionable data for the sheriff's office to manage evacuations effectively during wildfire scenarios. He noted that understanding evacuation challenges is crucial for saving lives and prioritizing vegetation management in evacuation routes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commissioners to improve oversight of Title 3 funding and ensure that future discussions on wildfire management are held regularly, separate from other agenda items. The resolution was ultimately passed, marking a step forward in addressing wildfire preparedness in Custer County.