The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) has announced a $6.9 million investment in 24 wildfire mitigation and workforce development projects across the state, marking the largest grant round in the program’s history. The initiative aims to address urgent forest management needs and build a skilled pipeline of forestry and wildfire professionals.
COSWAP was established after Colorado’s record-breaking 2020 fire season with a mission to protect lives, property, watersheds, and critical infrastructure while supporting workforce training. This year’s grant cycle saw high demand, with 35 applications requesting over $13.3 million.
“Colorado is no stranger to devastating wildfires. This year we are experiencing record drought numbers, now more than ever it is important to invest in wildfire prevention strategies to protect our communities,” said Governor Jared Polis. “By investing $6.9 million into these local wildfire prevention initiatives , we are reducing fire risk for our communities and watersheds while creating good-paying jobs and training the workforce Colorado needs to build a more resilient future.”
The grants will support projects such as fuel reduction using chainsaws and chippers, creation of fuel breaks, removal of hazardous fuels in high-risk areas, and improvement of evacuation routes. COSWAP prioritizes projects that connect with other recent or planned treatments for broader landscape protection.
Several funded projects focus on areas affected by mountain pine beetle outbreaks along the Front Range—regions with both high wildfire risk and population density. Since 2022, COSWAP has invested over $20 million through 56 projects along this corridor.
Workforce training is also emphasized through programs in wildland firefighting basics, chainsaw operations, and prescribed fire exchanges.
“This funding enables us to focus where wildfire risk is highest,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “From the Front Range to the Western Slope, we are putting crews to work on federal, state, local, and private lands. These awards will turn plans into progress by providing the boots on the ground required to thin overgrown forests and protect our communities.”
Highlighted projects include:
– Frisco Wildland Urban Interface in Summit County: In partnership with SWIFT crews from the Department of Corrections, dead trees will be removed from White River National Forest near residential areas.
– Colorado National Guard near Steamboat Springs: Rocky Mountain Youth Corps will engage National Guard members in conservation work alongside their military service.
– Hotchkiss Fire Chainsaw Training in Delta County: Volunteer firefighters will receive chainsaw training for mitigation work during non-emergency periods.
– La Plata County Cross-Boundary Work: A collaboration between Southwest Conservation Corps and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps aims at building resilience across public-private boundaries near Durango Hills subdivision.
“This historic round of funding is a testament to the power of partnership in Colorado,” said Scott Segerstrom, Executive Director of the Colorado Youth Corps Association. “We are particularly excited to welcome the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC) into this work. By integrating ALCC’s deep connection to the land and Indigenous-led stewardship with our statewide efforts, we are ensuring that wildfire resilience is built by, and for, all of Colorado’s communities.”
“Partnering with COSWAP has allowed us to fill our calendar for the next two years, providing stable, meaningful work for our crews,” noted Mitch Karstens, Director of Colorado Correctional Industries. “Our members aren’t just clearing brush; they are gaining certifications and real world experience that will allow them to step immediately into forestry jobs upon their release.”
These grants operate on a two-year cycle; another funding opportunity is expected in fall 2027.
