Congressionally directed funding to reduce wildfire risk and improve emergency access within the estes valley fire protection district

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R2-Rocky Mountain Region awarded $105,000 to Estes Valley Watershed Coalition on July 23, 2026, under the FY26 Community Project Funds-Congressionally Directed Spending program (CFDA 10.741) for wildfire risk reduction and emergency access improvement within the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.

The award funds roadside thinning treatments along priority emergency routes identified in the Estes Valley Community Wildfire Protection Plan to improve emergency ingress and egress, and defensible space treatments around participating homes focusing on home ignition zones within the first 100 feet from structures extending out up to 1 acre. Work is performed in Colorado. The period of performance runs through December 31, 2028.

Treatment activities include roadside thinning to improve emergency ingress/egress along priority routes identified in the estes valley community wildfire protection plan and defensible space treatments around participating homes, focusing on home ignition zones within the first 100 feet from the structure extending out up to 1 acre.