At Peaks to People Water Fund, our mission is clear: safeguard Northern Colorado’s water resources by investing in forest health and wildfire mitigation. But we don’t do it alone. Collaboration is at the heart of our work. Our process for identifying and engaging partners is rooted in fostering relationships with organizations committed to protecting forests, watersheds, and communities. Together, we create impactful, large-scale solutions that enhance forest resilience and protect water supplies.
Engaging Partners for Lasting Impact
We take pride in aligning with organizations and agencies that are dedicated to this cause and have a track record of delivering meaningful results. We look for enthusiasm for collaboration, a commitment to wildfire and forest health, and the capacity to drive positive, measurable impact.
Our partnerships fall into two main categories, each with its own unique focus but united by a shared goal of protecting our watersheds.
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Direct Project Funding Partners
These are agencies eligible for direct project funding, often as part of larger grant initiatives. We prioritize projects that have a direct and significant impact on water infrastructure within our priority watersheds: the Big Thompson and Cache La Poudre watersheds. Using our Watershed Investment Tool, we evaluate the potential of each project to protect water resources by reducing erosion, sedimentation, and runoff — key contributors to degraded water quality during and after wildfire events.
While water protection is a priority, we also consider the additional benefits a project might bring, such as preserving wildlife habitat, maintaining recreational opportunities, protecting homes and communities and connectivity to other forest health projects. By working closely with these partners, we ensure that these critical forest health projects contribute to long-term sustainability and resilience.
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Stakeholders and Collaborative Partners
The second type of partnership involves stakeholders who contribute to broader efforts in watershed resilience and community protection. Our work with the Big Thompson Watershed Health Partnership (BTWHP) is a prime example of this approach. Through BTWHP, we’ve built a coalition of stakeholders, from fire districts to conservation groups, who are invested in collaborative decision-making and are actively shaping the future of watershed health.
For these partners, Peaks to People offers not only facilitation, project management, and grant administration expertise but also the collaborative development of powerful tools like the Northern Colorado PODs dashboard and the soon-to-be-completed Big Thompson Wildfire Ready Action Plan. These resources aid in both landscape-scale planning and individual project management, ensuring that partners have the support they need to implement their vision for a resilient future.
Building Trust, Delivering Impact
One of the unique benefits of partnering with Peaks to People is not just financial support but also the enhanced public messaging and social license that comes with working together. We know that building community support for forest health and wildfire mitigation is key to long-term success. Through collaborative communication efforts, our partners gain access to enhanced outreach strategies that promote awareness and foster public trust in their work.
The value of these relationships is particularly evident during wildfire events. The recent Alexander Mountain Fire showcased the strength of our collaborative network. Thanks to pre-existing relationships and trust, communication between partners was swift and coordinated, leading to a more efficient response and better resource-sharing during and after the fire.
A Unified Approach to Forest Health and Watershed Protection
At Peaks to People, we understand that protecting our watersheds and communities requires more than isolated efforts—it demands a coordinated and collaborative approach. By aligning with partners who share our dedication to wildfire mitigation, forest health, and watershed resilience, we’re creating lasting change. Our partnerships drive impactful, large-scale projects that not only protect Northern Colorado’s water resources but also promote safer, healthier forests and communities.
As we continue to build strong relationships with agencies and stakeholders, we remain committed to leveraging our expertise in project management, grant administration, and collaborative planning. Together, we can ensure that our forests and watersheds remain resilient in the face of wildfire and climate challenges, creating a brighter future for generations to come.