Earlier this year, the Resilient Communities and Ecosystems team partnered with Evergreen Fire/Rescue (EFR) to complete an update to their Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). While CWPP updates are part of our regular work, this project was especially meaningful—it was our first time updating a plan we originally developed.
At first glance, redoing a plan might not seem like something to celebrate. But for us, it represents exactly what we strive for: lasting relationships and ongoing collaboration. The Colorado Forest Service’s Minimum Standards for Developing CWPPs recommend revisions every five years, which is exactly why EFR came knocking on our proverbial CWPP door last year. Back in 2020, Corrina Marshall and Meg Matonis completed Evergreen’s original CWPP. In the five years since, fire science has advanced, the Front Range landscape has continued to change, and devastating wildfires have underscored the urgency of this work.
With 15 CWPPs completed since our first work with EFR, our team was honored when they asked us back. To us, being invited to update a CWPP is more than a compliment—it’s a sign of trust and partnership. Creating a CWPP isn’t just about producing a document; it’s about building frameworks and relationships that support action long after the plan is signed. Working with Evergreen again tells us we made an impact—and a lot of friends—along the way.
