MESA, Colo. (KJCT) – Mesa County is investing resources to protect Mesa communities from potentially dangerous wildfires. They are taking a proactive step with the Colorado State Forest Service to achieve this.

Mesa County Commissioners recently approved a grant worth $241,314. This grant will advance the Mesa Creek/Coon Creak Estates Fuel Treatment Project. State Forest Service foresters say their main target is the Gambel oak. “There are other shrubs in the area, but the gambel oak predominates. Oak can burn very hot and is dense and thin. If there was a fire in that area, I could simply take off“said Hallie Flynn, a forester with the Colorado State Forest Service.

Gambel oaks typically grow to the size of a shrub or small tree. Forestry services plan to start the project in spring 2025 and complete it that summer. They hope to prevent potentially dangerous wildfires and pave the way for renewal.

“The goal of this project is to disrupt the continuity of gambel oak fuel and reduce fire risk to surrounding communities. This also includes improving wildlife habitats and ensuring watershed resilience,” Flynn said.

This type of work has already been carried out in the area. A contractor will operate machinery to cut the vegetation into fine chips.

Participating private landowners can be reimbursed for treatment costs while the project is ongoing.

The Colorado State Forest Service also encourages community members to learn more about how to protect their property from wildfires. More information here.

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