Colorado Shifts $12 Million to Wildfire Mitigation Amid Drought

"It just doesn't look good for us," CDOT Deputy Director of Operations Bob Fifer said — and he's not just talking about the roads. A historically hot and dry winter has the Colorado Department of Transportation shifting its strategy to pro-actively address wildfire risk. They're repurposing $12 million in unused snowplow funds for summertime wildfire mitigation efforts along the state's highways. That's what Delta County spends on road maintenance in a year — now being diverted to fight fires.

The Western Slope is facing a perfect storm of wildfires, wolves, and drought. Colorado Parks and Wildlife's latest wolf activity map shows the state's collared gray wolves have condensed into pockets of the northwest and southwest counties. In the northwest, activity continued in watersheds touching parts of Rio Blanco, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, and Garfield counties. Make no mistake, this is a significant development. The short version: wolves are on the move, and it's worth watching.

As denning season begins, the wolf activity appears to be isolated into the northernmost and southernmost regions of the state, with no movement highlighted through the middle. This is a change from previous months, and it's not clear what's driving the shift. What is clear is that the drought is exacerbating the wildfire risk. CDOT's decision to divert funds to wildfire mitigation is a response to the record-low snowpack statewide.

The situation is dire. Closing days at Colorado resorts are approaching faster than usual due to less snowfall than typical this winter, and record warmth in recent weeks. Buttermilk Ski Area is already closed for the season, and Aspen Highlands will have its last day on Sunday. The original closing day was set for April 12; a full two weeks from now. Read that again: two weeks. That's how fast things are changing.

As the ski season winds down, the danger of spring conditions is becoming more apparent. A dog tragically drowned off Upper Hunter Creek Trail last Friday, prompting warnings from pet owners and the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office. "I've done that hike hundreds of times," said Bisque Jackson, owner and veterinarian of Aspen Veterinary Services. "The whole story is tragic. I just want the community to know it's dangerous right now around water."

The community is taking action. A "No Kings" protest is set for Saturday in Glenwood Springs, organized by Mountain Action Indivisible. The event, billed locally as "No Kings, No Cruelty," is scheduled to begin with a 1 p.m. march along Grand Avenue, followed by a 2 p.m. gathering at Sayre Park. Organizers expect a strong turnout, despite spring break plans likely keeping some away.

As Colorado demolishes heat records, scientists say the influence of climate change is hard to ignore. February ranked as the warmest on record, with statewide temperatures hitting 7.8 degrees above average. The drought, wildfires, and wolf activity are all connected - and they're all connected to climate change. The question is, what will the community do about it? For now, the answer remains unclear. The Western Slope will not be ignored, and folks around here will demand action.

The Call to Action

Folks around here know the drill. Drought, wildfires, and wolves are nothing new. But the scale and severity of the current situation are unprecedented. The community is coming together to demand action, and it's worth paying attention to. The "No Kings" protest will be a catalyst for further activism. The situation continues to unfold, and the clock is ticking.