FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this area truly at risk?

The simple answer is: Yes, very much so. The Colorado State Forest Service map rates the “burn probability” of the areas surrounding the Lake Creek watershed as “High”. The 2021 Sylvan Lake fire burnt nearly 4,000 acres and was roughly ten miles southwest of our boundary. In 2020, we were fortunate that a fire initiated by a lightning strike south of Lake Creek was quickly contained, in part thanks to the large amount of fire fighting resources coincidentally based in the area to fight the high priority Grizzly Creek fire. (The same fire that closed I-70 in Glenwood Canyon for two weeks.)

What is the budget for the mitigation and ongoing maintenance?

1,500 priority highest-risk acres have been identified and analyzed by Eagle Valley Wildland based on their expertise and experience. The initial budget estimate is $6-$7 million. This amount is needed to complete a first round of mitigation efforts around and across the Lake Creek watershed. The initial work will likely take 3-5 years to complete, depending in part on the amount of matching funding that is obtained.

How much is this going to cost me? 

The Task Force is considering a ballot measure to fund the project, based on a levy of no more than 13.2 mills. This averages out to approximately $900 per $1,000,000 of property actual value noted on your property tax invoice. The annual revenue from the 13.2 mills is estimated to be $1 million. The goal is to raise matching funds to and complete the project in 3-5 years. After the initial work is completed it may be possible to reduce the mill levy for the last three years of the initial period to maintain the on-going mitigation work in perpetuity. 

The Task Force is also considering a sunset for this initial mill levy 8 years after initial approval. Another ballot measure - at that time - would be required to continue the program.

Do I have to allow the mitigation crew on my private property?

No. Each individual property owner in a designated work “unit” has the option to enter into a written agreement with ERFPD to allow crews to work on their property. However, it will be important to mitigate all key areas that have been identified to provide maximum protection for the community as a whole.

Will Lake Creek property owners have control setting the annual mill levy?

Yes, there would be an Advisory Board of five property owners who will review the recommended annual mitigation budget prepared by ERFPD Fire Management Officer.  

Why should I pay for this if  my property is not near the areas that would be mitigated?

This is a comprehensive plan written by the Wildland Coordinator that gives us the best chance to stop fire from the entire Lake Creek Drainage District, which keeps all of our homes safer from potential fire damage. Please see the Fuels Management Plan. The only way to ensure the highest odds of preventing a fire from spreading into Lake Creek is to have a comprehensive mitigation plan.

Would the mill levy be in place forever?

No. The Subdistrict mill levy will have an 8-year sunset provision. If the community finds the work was beneficial, then another ballot measure would need to be approved by a vote to extend the mill levy beyond the initial eight years.

Are other areas using additional funds raised from a specific HOA, Metro District, or other entity to pay for this type of work?

Yes. In fact, nearly every local community has specifically paid for expanded fire mitigation work - Beaver Creek, Bachelors Gulch, Cordillera, Eagle, Singletree, and Wildridge. Notably a 3,000-acre project around Vail will commence next year. Over 5,000 acres of land has been treated in the last three years.

Are there other sources of funds to help pay for this?

Yes. A key goal is to leverage the tax revenues to secure significant outside funding. Since 2022, over $4.7 million secured in matching grant monies were awarded to support the fire mitigation efforts in the valley.