Community Event Goes Out On Limb To Clean Up Seasonal Slash

Wildfire Mitigation Council & City Partner on Free Two-Day Tree Debris Chipping

Give us your tired, fallen and broken aspen, cottonwood, evergreen, and spruce limbs yearning to be chipped and used in local compost and agricultural programs. The city and Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council are teaming up for a free two-day community event to provide free chipping of seasonal tree debris.

“So many of us experience broken tree limbs and even down trees from the weight of the winter snow,” said Community Recycling Coordinator Alicia Archibald. “We’re looking to branch out our efforts to divert materials from the landfill and improve wildfire defenses for property owners through this free program.”

Community residents (no commercial operators) can drop off tree debris (see guidelines and restrictions) to the Emerald Park parking lot between 8AM to 3PM on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.

Crews will mulch the material, and chips will be utilized in local compost program Cowgirl Compost CO, and then by Community Ag Alliance stakeholders in ranching operations. Any remaining chips will be sent to the Twin Apex biosolids composting operation at the Steamboat Eco Center in Milner.

As recommended by Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council, reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfire by removing anything combustible from your Home Ignition Zone, focusing on the immediate area around structures. That includes all vegetation, which can become the source of ignition and carry fire to your home or outbuildings. The goal is to prevent the structures from ever igniting!

“Proper vegetation management is one of the least expensive ways to improve your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire and tackling it in the spring is the most effective and easiest time to do it,” according to Josh Hankes, Executive Director of Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council. “We hope this event lights a fire with property owners to start that first line of defense as we prepare for what could be an active wildfire season.”

Residents, who do not take advantage of the event, have larger diameter limbs or other materials, will need to dispose of items by another means. In addition, property owners cannot leave yard material in the right of way, which will be cited and may result in a fine.