More Than Smokey The Bear: Fire Prevention In Boulder

BOULDER, CO - After a summer of statewide drought, scientists and localland planners are partnering to take Boulderites on educational hikes with the slogan, "It's not a matter of whether we'll have a fire, but when." There are three free tours scheduled over the next two weeks that will walk participants on a 1.5 mile loop to learn about the prescribed burns, cutting, and other tactics used to improve forest health and influence wildfire risk.

"Wildfires are inevitable in the forests of the open space lands, canyons and mountains where we live and recreate," wrote Karen Hollweg, a representative of the CU Center for Sustainable Landscapes and Communities Advisory Board, in a news release about the program. "The purpose of these events is to introduce concerned citizens to land managers and scientists for community discussions regarding the unique challenges of living next to our forested lands."

The project is a collaboration between the CU-Boulder Center for Sustainable Landscapes and Communities, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, CU and CSU faculty and staff. Interested participants can find out more information and sign up on the program's event page.

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Photo Credit: Gallo Images/Shutterstock (2012 Waldo Canyon Fire)