Here’s the release from Governor Hickenlooper’s office:
Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced that $1.3 million from the Wildfire Preparedness Fund will be made available for recovery efforts in the Lower North Fork Fire burn area. Hickenlooper made the announcement at the 2012 Forest Health Summit.
“Colorado’s forests are a part of our identity and economic fabric, from industry to recreation, to where we work and play,” Hickenlooper said. “This summer’s wildfires reinforce why we must create proactive strategies to improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Additionally, we must work quickly to rehabilitate burn areas after wildfires are extinguished. Today’s funding announcement will help residents in the Lower North Fork Fire burn area recover.”
The funding could pay for such things as to fell, remove or mulch burned trees in the burn area.
The Colorado State Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will meet with residents affected by the Lower North Fork Fire and gather input on the best way to proceed with the recovery options. The Colorado Department of Corrections’ State Wildland Inmate Fire Team and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control will be available to assist in the recovery operations.
The 2012 Forest Health Summit held today at the History Colorado Center focused on bringing together the forestry industry, local communities, non-profit groups, conservation groups and policy makers to determine how to improve forest health and reduce the risk from catastrophic wildfires.
More restoration/reclamation coverage here.