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OCN > 2505 > Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 23 – Resident sparks Firewise® discussion

Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 23 – Resident sparks Firewise® discussion

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on April 23 to hear a resident’s concerns and recommendations on its Firewise® program.

Resident fire concerns

Resident Erik Lessing presented his thoughts and recommendations on the Firewise® program to the board. He started by commending the board for updating its Forest Stewardship and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) available at https://woodmoor.org/forestry-firewise/. He suggested the board make Firewise® its top priority to get resident buy-in. Lessing said that WIA must have a goal to get Woodmoor 100% Firewise® in 15 years, with progressive goals of 50% in five years and 90% in 10 years. He stated that only 145 homeowners had been made Firewise® in the last 17 years.

The CWPP notes that 145 homeowners participated in the grants between 2008 and 2017, but WIA staff noted that additional mitigation grants have been awarded since then and that ongoing mitigation is required.

The Western States Wildland Urban Interface Grant helps homeowners reduce the fuels around their homes. Homeowners receive 50% cost-shares on their first $1,000 of expenses. In addition to homeowner mitigation, WIA mitigates common areas, including thinning areas of dense forest. The CWPP also noted that 15% of grant applicants did not seek reimbursement. WIA’s rules make it easy to work in the area within 30 feet of the home without needing permission, but WIA could improve its follow-up and record-keeping, according to the CWPP.

Lessing suggested a plan to include Firewise® Leaders who would motivate neighbors to mitigate contiguous properties at significant economies of scale. He suggested a pilot program of 100 properties in the first year, in four to seven areas led by a resident who has already implemented Firewise® measures, engaging professional support to carry out the work in bulk, and empowering homeowners with clear estimates and access to the matching grants. He handed out copies of the Colorado State Forest Service brochure The Home Ignition Zone, a guide to preparing your home for wildfire and creating defensible space. This document and other forest and fire management resources are available on the WIA website.

Forestry Director Jason Hann thanked Lessing for his information, noting all the board had shared his emails, read the documentation provided, and had multiple discussions with him. Hann said WIA was committed to doing what is sustainable and fiscally possible, which might not be the same as Lessing’s suggestions. He noted that WIA has 3,400 homes across a wide geographical area and was looking to produce the biggest impact. Hann said WIA was implementing Firewise® Ambassadors who would volunteer to help with lot evaluation. The chipping event is scheduled for June 21 and 22 and July 26 and 27 at Lewis-Palmer High School. Residents can bring their slash to this site for free; non-residents are asked for a minimal donation.

Board President Brian Bush noted that WIA is actively soliciting Firewise® Ambassadors and that the Fire Department has offered to use its drone to locate key areas to target for mitigation. The board discussed options for community outreach.

Hann moved to modify the Project Design Standards Manual (PDSM) to change the definition of a standard tree to 12 inches in diameter when measured 4 feet 6 inches above the ground, simplifying removal regulations. Hann confirmed this change would allow homeowners to maintain their properties without requiring permission for smaller trees. The board unanimously approved this change. Hann noted that verbiage in the PDSM about Firewise® gate material within 10 feet of the house would remain the same, and the ACC administrator would handle requests for alternate material. The PDSM can be found in the Documents section of the WIA website.

Hann said the new grant would be announced soon. It will total about $148,000 and have a different scope of guidelines requiring a lot evaluation before and after the mitigation to offer the 50% match. Since it is a smaller grant, WIA will focus on the areas of greatest need.

Hann reported that the first education seminar, hosted by the Monument Fire Department, will be held on June 14. It will provide information on Firewise® and home hardening and will be held at The Barn at 10 a.m. WIA is asking for RSVPs at 719-488-2693.

Highlights

  • Treasurer Pete Giusti reported that finances were on track for the end of March. As of April 23 there were 232 unpaid dues, he said, with liens going into effect on June 2. He said a warning letter would be sent out shortly.
  • Director of Covenant Control Jennifer Davis reported 21 covenant-related items, two unfounded complaints, and 18 issues resolved via friendly communications. One covenant hearing was held in April, and no hearing is scheduled for May.
  • Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller said WIA had 29 projects submitted in March, 21 approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) administrator, and eight approved by the ACC. This represents a 30.5% decrease in projects from the prior year and maintains a 95.6% approval rate this year.
  • Bush announced a new fan has been installed at The Barn that is controlled remotely by a switch on the wall. Hann installed the fan on a volunteer basis.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in The Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be on May 28 after Memorial Day.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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