Woodside Park Homeowners Association Units 1 through 6 are proud to be officially recognized as a Firewise Community by the National Fire Protection Association. Our Association, which represents Units 1, 2, 3 and 4, is pleased to be joined by Woodside Park Homeowners Association Units 5 and 6 to build awareness in our community about wildfire dangers and how to take action to mitigate those dangers in the wildland-urban interface. To read the Elk Creek Fire Protection District assessment of Woodside, which was prepared for our original application in 2013, please click here.
Firewise Committee
Chair Lorna Serber (303) 548-9507 boulderlas@msn.com
Member, Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sharon Evridge (303) 816-0831 sharonevridge78@gmail.com
Monte Poague (720) 318-8830 mpoague81@me.com
Otto Boneta (956) 566-1362 otto.boneta@gmail.com
Tim Horn (662) 299-0225 horntex@msn.com
Bill Osborn (469) 426-1033 billo65@me.com
Firewise Committee
Chair Lorna Serber (303) 548-9507 boulderlas@msn.com
Member, Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sharon Evridge (303) 816-0831 sharonevridge78@gmail.com
Monte Poague (720) 318-8830 mpoague81@me.com
Otto Boneta (956) 566-1362 otto.boneta@gmail.com
Tim Horn (662) 299-0225 horntex@msn.com
Bill Osborn (469) 426-1033 billo65@me.com
UPDATED 10 May 2023: May is Wildfire Prevention Month.
This a great time to survey the area your home and make it more fire resistant. The international Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) receives grants from multilple agnecies to include DHS and FEMA to provide education and training to prevent wildland fires. One of their product lines is called Ready, Set, Go. Click here to see simple yet very effective strategies you can employ to make your home more resilient against wildfire.
You can also download a small booklet that reinforces what is on the website if you prefer to save it on your computer or print it by clicking here.
Woodside Park Firewise Action Plan
Check out our most recent Action Plan.
Mitigation Activity Tracking Form
The Firewise Committee is on the hunt for grant funds to help Woodside residents with costs associated with fire mitigation efforts on their properties, such as clearing juniper bushes and otherwise creating defensible space around their homes. Most grants require at least some amount of matching funds. We don't have a cash reserve to use for matching, but what we do have is "in- kind" funds stemming from mitigation work that we do on our properties or contract with someone to do for us. The current value in Colorado of every hour of volunteer mitigation work is $24.14. In order to aggregate "in-kind" funds we ask all residents to track every volunteer hour of mitigation work they do on their properties. Here's a form that you can use for tracking the work you have completed. More than one person working at a time? Be sure to record the hours of every person who helps with mitigation work because the value of the work is per hour per person. You may also record dollars spent on mitigation efforts, for tools purchased or contractors retained to do the work for you. By recording your hours and expenses and submitting the information to the Firewise Committee you are helping all of Woodside, and that's a good thing!
USAA Offers Insurance Discounts for Members Living in Firewise Communities in Colorado
USAA members now can save money on their homeowners insurance premiums by living within the boundaries of a recognized Firewise Communities/USA® program. Currently, the discounts are available to eligible members in California, Colorado, and Texas, three states prone to wildfire activity. See their press release here. Check with your insurance carrier to see if they do the same.
Check out our most recent Action Plan.
Mitigation Activity Tracking Form
The Firewise Committee is on the hunt for grant funds to help Woodside residents with costs associated with fire mitigation efforts on their properties, such as clearing juniper bushes and otherwise creating defensible space around their homes. Most grants require at least some amount of matching funds. We don't have a cash reserve to use for matching, but what we do have is "in- kind" funds stemming from mitigation work that we do on our properties or contract with someone to do for us. The current value in Colorado of every hour of volunteer mitigation work is $24.14. In order to aggregate "in-kind" funds we ask all residents to track every volunteer hour of mitigation work they do on their properties. Here's a form that you can use for tracking the work you have completed. More than one person working at a time? Be sure to record the hours of every person who helps with mitigation work because the value of the work is per hour per person. You may also record dollars spent on mitigation efforts, for tools purchased or contractors retained to do the work for you. By recording your hours and expenses and submitting the information to the Firewise Committee you are helping all of Woodside, and that's a good thing!
USAA Offers Insurance Discounts for Members Living in Firewise Communities in Colorado
USAA members now can save money on their homeowners insurance premiums by living within the boundaries of a recognized Firewise Communities/USA® program. Currently, the discounts are available to eligible members in California, Colorado, and Texas, three states prone to wildfire activity. See their press release here. Check with your insurance carrier to see if they do the same.
FIREWISE CHIPPING EVENTS - Updated 20 April 2023
Woodside Park is part of Service Group 1 for the ECFPD Chipping Program. If you signed up for the program you should be receiving group emails with updates as the program progresses.
Group 1:
Elk Falls, Woodside, Mountain View Lakes, Highland Pines, Will O the Wisp, Douglas Ranch, Glen Elk, Pine Meadows, Wandcrest.
Estimated Dates of Service: May 15th - June 23rd
ECFPD provided the following guidance as to how the progtram will run in 2023:
Service groups were determined by geographical area and the number of homes ECFPD can complete in a one month period. Each service group has a one month window of "expected service". ECFPD could show up as early as the first day of the assigned window or anytime during that month.
Please keep in mind that the Fuels Crew also manages the implementation of fuel breaks, mitigation projects, and acts as an initial response resource for wildfires and other emergencies. If there is a delay of more than one week for a specific group, ECFPD will send out updates via email. Updates will also be posted on the ECFPD Chipping website (on the chipping tab) every week.
Pile Guidelines
Piles that don't meet parameters, are hard to find, or hard to access take much needed time and effort out of the program.
2023 JeffCo Slash Collection Program: Operation planned from 18 May - 29 October with ortating sites (three of which are very convenient to Woodside Park residents:
a. Elk Creek Elementary (Pine), 1 - 25 June
b. Settlers Drive (between Conifer and Morrison), 27 Jul - 13 Aug
c. Beaver Ranch Park (Conifer), 7 - 30 September
Sites are open to Park County residents in Woodside Park as well as JeffCo residents. This pdf summarizes the schedule and rules of the program and this is the official link to the 2023 Jeffco Slash Collection Program.
2023 CUSP Slash Collection (Bailey): Another option is the slash collection site in Bailey. They are open on Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM starting 27 May and running through 2 September. Details about this operation can be found at their official website.
Park County slash collection website.
Jefferson County slash collection website.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, Otto Boneta, your ECPFD Community Ambassador.
Woodside Park is part of Service Group 1 for the ECFPD Chipping Program. If you signed up for the program you should be receiving group emails with updates as the program progresses.
Group 1:
Elk Falls, Woodside, Mountain View Lakes, Highland Pines, Will O the Wisp, Douglas Ranch, Glen Elk, Pine Meadows, Wandcrest.
Estimated Dates of Service: May 15th - June 23rd
ECFPD provided the following guidance as to how the progtram will run in 2023:
Service groups were determined by geographical area and the number of homes ECFPD can complete in a one month period. Each service group has a one month window of "expected service". ECFPD could show up as early as the first day of the assigned window or anytime during that month.
Please keep in mind that the Fuels Crew also manages the implementation of fuel breaks, mitigation projects, and acts as an initial response resource for wildfires and other emergencies. If there is a delay of more than one week for a specific group, ECFPD will send out updates via email. Updates will also be posted on the ECFPD Chipping website (on the chipping tab) every week.
Pile Guidelines
- Chipping will take place Monday through Friday and start at 8AM.
- Improperly stacked piles, and any piles stacked after 8 a.m, may not be identified or collected.
- Stack piles neatly (no bags), with the large ends of branches facing the road.
- Place piles within 5 feet of the roadway, but not touching the road or in drainage ditches.
- Maximum pile size is 5 'x 5' x 5'. There is a 15-pile limit per address.
- After crews have removed your pile, clear away any remaining branches, needles and debris.
- Do not combine piles with neighbors' piles or place piles in other neighborhoods.
- No piles that have been created by any machinery.
Piles that don't meet parameters, are hard to find, or hard to access take much needed time and effort out of the program.
2023 JeffCo Slash Collection Program: Operation planned from 18 May - 29 October with ortating sites (three of which are very convenient to Woodside Park residents:
a. Elk Creek Elementary (Pine), 1 - 25 June
b. Settlers Drive (between Conifer and Morrison), 27 Jul - 13 Aug
c. Beaver Ranch Park (Conifer), 7 - 30 September
Sites are open to Park County residents in Woodside Park as well as JeffCo residents. This pdf summarizes the schedule and rules of the program and this is the official link to the 2023 Jeffco Slash Collection Program.
2023 CUSP Slash Collection (Bailey): Another option is the slash collection site in Bailey. They are open on Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM starting 27 May and running through 2 September. Details about this operation can be found at their official website.
Park County slash collection website.
Jefferson County slash collection website.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, Otto Boneta, your ECPFD Community Ambassador.
RESOURCES
Check out our Forest Management and Home Hardening page on the dropdown menu or click here.
The following are links to excellent resources you may also find useful:
Forestry management contractors in our area
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive nor act as an endorsement of any business entity. The list was compiled by our local chapter of Wildfire Prepared. Neither Wildfire Prepared nor the Woodside HOA recommend any one contractor over another on this list. No representation for services is implied by the presence of a contractor name. If a homeowner selects a contractor to carry out work, the homeowner is responsible for supervising the work and payment. All listed contractors work in Conifer, Evergreen, Genesee. Littleton/Morrison west of C470, Clear Creek County or Pine. Verification of current licensure and insurance status of the contractors is the homeowner's responsibility. Click here for a list of contractors (updated December 2022).
Wildfire Evacuation Checklists
It is important to have a plan and rehearse it in case of a wildfire or other natural disaster impacting our neighborhood. Keep your "go bag" packed and make sure you have a "go bag" for your pets. Below are links to several checklists compiled from a variety of sources. It is also critical to stay informed during any emergency as these are dynamic events. For example, evacuation routes may be compromised and you may need to access alternates routes. The best way to stay informed is via CodeRed (Park County) and Lookout Alert (Jefferson County). It is highly encouraged that you sign up for one or both of these services.
Rotary Wildfire Ready Evacuation Checklist
TakeAction Pet Evacuation Checklist
TakeAction Horse Evacuation Checklist
Colorado State University Horse Evacuation Article
Smokey Bear is still educating people on Wildland Fire Prevention. Check out the website for helpful information especially if you are trying to educate young ones.
Check out our Forest Management and Home Hardening page on the dropdown menu or click here.
The following are links to excellent resources you may also find useful:
- Colorado State Forest Service
- National Fire Portection Association, Firewise
- Rotary Wildfire Ready
- Ready, Set, Go!
- Fire Adapted Bailey (FAB)
- Elk Creek Fore Protection District
- Platte Canyon Fire Protection District
- Bailey Slash Collection
- Jefferson County Slash Collection
- Jefferson Conservation District
Forestry management contractors in our area
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive nor act as an endorsement of any business entity. The list was compiled by our local chapter of Wildfire Prepared. Neither Wildfire Prepared nor the Woodside HOA recommend any one contractor over another on this list. No representation for services is implied by the presence of a contractor name. If a homeowner selects a contractor to carry out work, the homeowner is responsible for supervising the work and payment. All listed contractors work in Conifer, Evergreen, Genesee. Littleton/Morrison west of C470, Clear Creek County or Pine. Verification of current licensure and insurance status of the contractors is the homeowner's responsibility. Click here for a list of contractors (updated December 2022).
Wildfire Evacuation Checklists
It is important to have a plan and rehearse it in case of a wildfire or other natural disaster impacting our neighborhood. Keep your "go bag" packed and make sure you have a "go bag" for your pets. Below are links to several checklists compiled from a variety of sources. It is also critical to stay informed during any emergency as these are dynamic events. For example, evacuation routes may be compromised and you may need to access alternates routes. The best way to stay informed is via CodeRed (Park County) and Lookout Alert (Jefferson County). It is highly encouraged that you sign up for one or both of these services.
Rotary Wildfire Ready Evacuation Checklist
TakeAction Pet Evacuation Checklist
TakeAction Horse Evacuation Checklist
Colorado State University Horse Evacuation Article
Smokey Bear is still educating people on Wildland Fire Prevention. Check out the website for helpful information especially if you are trying to educate young ones.
Tax Credit for Mitigation Costs Extended Through Tax Year 2024
As authorized by C.R.S. § 39-22-104(4) (n), for income tax years through 2024, individuals, estates and trusts may deduct from federal taxable income listed on their Colorado State Income Tax Return up to 50% of the costs incurred in performing wildfire mitigation measures that meet the following qualifications and limitations:
(1) The taxpayer must own the property upon which the mitigation measures are performed;
(2) the property upon which the wildfire mitigation measures are performed must be located in Colorado;
(3) the property upon which the wildfire mitigation measures are performed must be located in a wildland-urban interface area;
(4) the wildfire mitigation measures must be authorized by a community wildfire protection plan adopted by a local government within the interface area; and
(5) the total amount of the subtraction may not exceed $2,500.
A summary of the statute by the Colorado Department of Revenue can be found here.
Please visit with a tax professional if you have any questions on what items may be claimed or need additional information about claiming this subtraction on your tax return.
As authorized by C.R.S. § 39-22-104(4) (n), for income tax years through 2024, individuals, estates and trusts may deduct from federal taxable income listed on their Colorado State Income Tax Return up to 50% of the costs incurred in performing wildfire mitigation measures that meet the following qualifications and limitations:
(1) The taxpayer must own the property upon which the mitigation measures are performed;
(2) the property upon which the wildfire mitigation measures are performed must be located in Colorado;
(3) the property upon which the wildfire mitigation measures are performed must be located in a wildland-urban interface area;
(4) the wildfire mitigation measures must be authorized by a community wildfire protection plan adopted by a local government within the interface area; and
(5) the total amount of the subtraction may not exceed $2,500.
A summary of the statute by the Colorado Department of Revenue can be found here.
Please visit with a tax professional if you have any questions on what items may be claimed or need additional information about claiming this subtraction on your tax return.