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Resident criticizes 'clear-cutting' in county parks; commissioners, wildfire commission describe targeted mitigation
Summary
A resident told Jefferson County commissioners that clear-cutting in open space harms trails, water and fire resilience. Commissioners said open-space vegetation management is targeted to reduce wildfire risk and the county is coordinating multiple strategies including home hardening, defensible space and prescribed burns.
Elaine Morse of Evergreen told the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 28 that clear-cutting in open-space areas is damaging trail aesthetics, causes erosion and, she said, can worsen wildfire behavior. Morse cited the book Smoke Screen by Chad Hanson and characterized some mitigation work as “bad science.”
Commission response and context - Morse said clear cutting reduces soil moisture, increases wind speed through areas and spreads invasive species; she urged the county to stop the practice. - Commissioners said open-space mitigation is targeted and prioritized around homes, schools and assisted-living facilities and that staff base their work on science and safety. Commissioner Dahlkemper, who chairs the Jeffco Wildfire Commission, described a multi-pronged approach at the county and state level: home hardening, defensible-space work near structures, building-code discussions and targeted prescribed burns when conditions and community protections allow.
Why it matters: The exchange highlights a common local tension between residents who object to visible vegetation removal and fire officials who argue that strategic fuels reduction near homes reduces wildfire risk.
Background and county work cited by commissioners - Jefferson County participates in state and regional wildfire policy efforts; the county’s wildfire preparedness plan and the Jeffco Wildfire Commission set mitigation priorities and coordinate with fire chiefs, planning, open space, water experts and the sheriff’s office. - The county is reviewing model codes for wildfire resiliency and provided feedback to the statewide wildfire resiliency code board. Commissioners urged continued public engagement and tours to view mitigation work and noted open space will continue providing responses to community concerns.
Ending: Commissioners said safety is the county’s top priority and invited residents to participate in tours and discussions; the board said open-space staff would continue to engage with community groups that raised concerns.
