State forestry: Box Elder County accepts revised Cooperative Wildfire System commitment despite steep increase

Tracy Swenson, Bear River area manager for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, told the Box Elder County Commission on Nov. 19 that changes to the Cooperative Wildfire System (CWS) have removed old percentage formulas and that corrected calculations increased the county—s participation commitment for 2025.

"Last year the commitment was about $750,000; it—s $1,300,000 for 2025," Swenson said, explaining the rise stems partly from past inclusion of federal acres in the calculation that should not have been counted and partly from CPI and cost adjustments. She said the state still values the county—s role in mitigation, preparedness and prevention and remains willing to partner.

Commissioners asked for and received clarification about the calculation changes and how direct payments to the state would be handled; Swenson cautioned that direct payments could fund projects that may not physically occur inside the county. Commissioner Bingham moved to accept the updated Cooperative Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)/CWS agreement; the motion was seconded and passed.

Commissioners framed the CWPP as an insurance-like program: they noted the county—s exposure to large wildfires due to its size and geography and said mitigation work helps limit both suppression costs and the financial exposure the county would otherwise face.

The commission—s acceptance triggers a larger county commitment in 2025 and directs staff to work with state forestry on implementation details and project prioritization.

Next steps include coordination between county departments (roads, emergency management) and state staff to align mitigation work with the county—s participation commitment.