Boulder completes initial tree cutting for Tram Hill wildfire project
The work covers a 90-acre utility corridor west of the city. Supervised pile burns are planned through winter 2028, weather permitting.
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Boulder has completed initial tree cutting and burn-pile preparation for a wildfire-fuel reduction project along a utility corridor west of the city, city staff told the Water Resources Advisory Board on Oct. 19. Staff said the corridor supplies about one-third of Boulder’s drinking water. The project is intended to reduce wildfire risk around water, hydroelectric and electrical infrastructure.
The work covers about 90 acres of city-owned land along a roughly two-mile corridor between Flagstaff Road and Boulder Canyon Boulevard, the city’s project page says. Crews are primarily using hand tools and chippers; material in places equipment cannot reach is being piled for later burning. The city says the work is also intended to improve access for first responders.
Boulder Fire-Rescue is expected to oversee pile burns this winter, with additional supervised burns planned for the winters of 2027 and 2028, weather permitting, the city’s project announcement says.
The Colorado Department of Natural Resources lists a $900,000 award for the project through the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. At the advisory board meeting, city staff said the grant is paired with a 20% Utilities match.
Tram Hill is separate from Boulder’s broader homeowner wildfire-assistance efforts. The city’s Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program offers eligible property owners help with home hardening and vegetation management and is funded through the Climate Tax.