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Assistant to the city manager outlines wildfire mitigation progress, grants and homeowner programs
Summary
Charley Smith, the city's new assistant to the city manager, reported that about half of the identified wildfire-risk acreage in Castle Pines has been mitigated and summarized grant-funded outreach and a homeowner/HOA mitigation grant program.
Charley Smith, the assistant to the city manager, told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board that the city's wildfire mitigation program has shifted from predominantly goat grazing to a mix of mechanical mitigation and targeted grazing, backed by state grants and neighborhood education.
"As of 2024, approximately 50% of the identified 255 acres have been mitigated," Smith said, and he described two grant awards that expanded outreach and allowed a citywide implementation plan. He also outlined the community wildfire mitigation grant: applicants must show 50% participation and the program awarded $5,000 to HOAs and up to $250 for homeowners in the program's early cycles. Smith said the 2025 application window opened Jan. 6 and closes March 29, with award notices targeted for April 1 and all projects required to be completed with final reporting by Dec. 31.
Board members offered to help evaluate future grant applications. One member with fire-service experience asked to assist with application reviews; staff said that expertise would be welcomed because the current staff lead has been in the role only about a month. The board also questioned the wildlife impacts of removing scrub oak; Smith said the city met with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and will monitor wildlife responses over time.
Staff emphasized the program's educational components, including post-COVID recorded trainings developed with South Metro Fire Rescue and requirements for contractors to submit W-9 forms and before/after documentation for grant-funded work. Smith said the 2023 effort mitigated about 30 acres and that the grants have been popular, supporting both HOA and homeowner projects.
