At Peaks to People, we’re constantly refining our tools and strategies to better protect Colorado’s forests and watersheds. In the second half of 2024, we took another big step forward by partnering with the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute (CFRI) to update our Watershed Investment Tool (WIT), ensuring it remains a cutting-edge resource for mitigating wildfire risk and safeguarding water supplies.
Aligning with Northern Colorado’s Wildfire Risk Priorities
One of the primary goals of this update was to align the Watershed Investment Tool with the Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative’s Wildfire Risk Assessment. This alignment ensures our efforts are coordinated across regional initiatives, amplifying their impact. Additionally, we accounted for new data related to the Alexander Mountain Fire, refining the tool’s ability to assess risks accurately.
To achieve these updates, we focused on two critical areas: fire behavior and burn probability. By updating these inputs, we’ve strengthened the tool’s ability to predict the potential impact of wildfires on drinking water infrastructure. Sediment delivery to critical water resources remains a core measure of wildfire risk within the WIT, ensuring our priorities are focused on protecting the clean, abundant water that communities and businesses rely on.
Treatment Priorities That Make a Difference
As we integrate these enhancements, our treatment priorities remain focused on three essential factors:
- Type of Treatment: Mechanical thinning and prescribed fire continue to play a pivotal role in reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health.
- Treatment Cost: Budget efficiency is critical to achieving maximum impact with available resources.
- Feasibility: Considerations such as land ownership and accessibility guide our ability to implement treatments effectively.
These priorities help us target the areas that will provide the greatest benefit while ensuring our investments remain practical and impactful.
A Tool with a Proven Legacy
Since its inception in 2016, the Watershed Investment Tool has evolved to meet new challenges and incorporate the latest science. Despite these advancements, the foundation of the tool remains unchanged: driving outcomes-based investments. By focusing on measurable results, we ensure every dollar contributed to forest health and wildfire mitigation delivers tangible benefits for Northern Colorado’s watersheds.
Grateful for Collaboration
None of this would be possible without the incredible partnership of CFRI. Their expertise, innovation, and over nine years of collaboration with Peaks to People have been instrumental in the success of the Watershed Investment Tool. Together, we’re making strides toward a safer, more resilient future for Colorado’s forests, watersheds, and communities.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to using science, collaboration, and innovation to tackle the challenges posed by wildfires. The Watershed Investment Tool is just one example of how Peaks to People is turning data into action and making a difference for generations to come.
Want to learn more or support our mission?
Learn more about our Watershed Investment Tool to take it for a test drive and explore how we’re protecting forests, water, and communities—or make a donation to fuel the work we do every day!