Fire-prevention funding worth $7 million is now accessible for communities in Northern Colorado.
Colorado State Forest Service Announces Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program
The Colorado State Forest Service has announced the availability of $7.04 million in funding through the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grant program. This initiative aims to reduce wildfire risk to homes, infrastructure, and water supplies, while also promoting healthier, more resilient forests.
Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the Colorado State Forest Service, emphasized the importance of Colorado communities in protecting homes, infrastructure, and lives from wildfire. He stated that the FRWRM grant program is an essential tool in achieving this goal.
Eligible applicants for the FRWRM grant program include local fire districts, governments, community groups, nonprofits, private landowners, and utilities. Projects must align with county-level wildfire mitigation plans and can take place on private, municipal, state, or county forestlands.
Projects funded by the grants can include on-the-ground fuel reduction work and capacity-building efforts such as hiring staff and creating project plans. Proposals that align with local fire risk reduction policies will receive preference. Using Colorado Youth or Veterans Corps labor in projects is likely to improve proposal chances.
A fund-matching component is required for the grants. The state may cover up to 75% of total costs for projects located in areas with fewer economic resources, as shown in the Colorado Forest Atlas. Additional preference will be given to proposals that leverage outside funding sources.
All applications must be submitted electronically to a local CSFS Field Office by October 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. Successful applicants will be notified by March 31, 2026, after a technical advisory panel has reviewed proposals.
Protecting community water supplies is a priority for the FRWRM grant program. The General Assembly's continued investment in the FRWRM program underscores the belief that wildfire mitigation works.
For more details and application materials, visit csfs.colostate.edu. If you need assistance finding contact information or the official program webpage, feel free to ask!
- The Colorado State Forest Service's Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program is open for applications, providing $7.04 million to reduce wildfire risk in Fort Collins and the larger Northern Colorado community.
- Projects funded by this program should promote healthier, more resilient forests while protecting homes, infrastructure, and water supplies.
- Eligible applicants for the program include various entities, such as local fire districts, governments, community groups, nonprofits, private landowners, and utilities.
- The grants can support on-the-ground fuel reduction work and capacity-building efforts, with proposals prioritized if they align with local fire risk reduction policies and use Colorado Youth or Veterans Corps labor.
- Projects located in areas with fewer economic resources may have up to 75% of their costs covered by the state, and additional preference will be given to proposals that leverage outside funding sources.
- Successful applicants will be notified by March 31, 2026, after a technical advisory panel reviews proposals. To apply, visit the official program webpage at csfs.colostate.edu.
