History

A Brief Description and History of the Council

The Council was organized in 2007 following several years of major wildfires.  At that time it was recognized that Colorado’s forests were in very poor condition and needed fire as a tool to restore forests and other lands.  The costs of wildfire suppression were growing every year to the point that some agencies were spending over half of their budget to fight wildfires.  It was clear there was a need to use prescribed fire to reduce the amount of fuel, reduce risks to people, and reduce the annual costs of fire suppression.

Council members are from all types of agencies and organizations across the state. Examples of agencies, organizations and individuals that are members include the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado DIvision of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Jefferson County, Boulder County, Larimer County, The Nature Conservancy, Private Consultants, Trinchera Ranch and many more. The Council represent all participants in an effort to implement safe and effective prescribed fire.

Early activities focused on bringing prescribed fire supporters together. Efforts focused on:

  • Liability and Other Legal Issues
  • Certified Burner legislation and program
  • DFPC prescribed fire regulations 
  • Smoke Management
  • Providing a Forum to resolve issues and confusion over implementation of air quality regulations
  • Training on modeling tools for smoke management
  • Advocacy for experimental approach to more flexible permitting
  • Identifying Capacity and Staffing capacities and needs
  • Trainings and workshops
  • Clarified use of non-federal personnel on federal projects
  • Communication and Coordination between practitioners, agencies, public, policy makers
  • Presentations to wide range of groups and organization
  • Stronger relationships between practitioners
  • Recognition as a source of expertise and advice for decision-makers  ​