HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.07 State Forest CommentsMay 2, 2006
Fred Jarman
Garfield County Building and Planning Department
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
RE: Hunt Ranch Project
Mr. Jarman,
I have reviewed the Sketch Plan Application submitted for Hunt Ranch. There was no wildfire hazard map or
review included in the application; therefore I met with John McCarty of Otak at the property on April 28th,
2006. I have the following comments regarding wildfire hazard on this proposal.
The primary vegetation is sagebrush, gamble oak, and juniper trees. All of these vegetation types pose a
signification wildfire hazard to parts of the proposed subdivision. The areas I am most concerned about are:
Phases 1-5 (exhibit 16 from plan) based on the slope and vegetation composition. Phase 6 is in an area of
dryland pasture that would need to be monitored to keep the grasses at a reduced height.
I believe the best methods to reduce wildfire hazard on this property would be to create fuelbreaks along the
proposed right of ways, to enforce defensible space standards around all permanent structures, and encourage or
require the use of firewise building materials (Firewise Construction, Design and Materials, 2000).
Written standards for fuelbreaks and defensible space zones published by the Colorado State Forest Service
obviously do not cover every situation encountered. Most of our publications are designed for forested areas,
rather than lower vegetation types such as brush and shrubs. However, for fuelbreak vegetation modification for
Hunt Ranch, I would recommend following the standards outlined in the recent revision of publication 6.302,
Creating Wildfire Defensible Zones, Prescriptions, Zone 2. Obviously, removing all the sagebrush and oak
brush by mowing/machine removal would also be an effective method.
In terms of fuelbreak width, CSFS standards state a minimum of 300 feet wide (Fuelbreak Guildlines for
Forested Subdivisions and Communities, 2005). However, this standard applies to forested areas, and there is
no written standard for brush. Although sagebrush can burn intensely and move quickly, fires in this fuel type
are typically of short duration with low spotting potential, and control is relatively easy using a well constructed
handline, a dozer line, or utilizing roads and natural firebreaks. For Hunt Ranch, I would recommend following
Constructing the Fuelbreak contained in the Fuelbreak Guidelines for Forested Subdivisions and Communities,
2005. A 12 foot fuelbreak width on either side of the proposed road width of 24 feet, would be required in order
to adequately mitigate fire danger in this development.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this proposal. Please call with any questions at 970-248-7325.
Sincerely,
Kamie Long
Forester
Cc: Otak, Attention: John McCarty