Don and Toni Moore of Indian Creek started grassroots, all volunteer, fire mitigation organization October of 2019 with the help of Indian Creek Property Owners Association. They now have the attention of their neighbors, Teller County, and their local electric company.

As part of the Colorado Forest-Ag Management Program, they have been fire mitigating their property for 15 years. "Folks who visit us know something is different about our property, but they cannot always put their finger on what," said Don Moore. "When we point out that all the ladder fuel (dead lower branches on evergreen trees) and forest floor debris has been removed, the questions start. People want to know why we have done it, and how we did it."

Realizing there was a desire for hands-on learning about fire mitigation to improve and protect private property, Moore put together what he now calls NoFloCo (North Florissant, Colorado) Fire Mitigation Posse. "Our volunteers learned pretty quickly that it is not complicated, but can be very satisfying and fun. We grow with each event; at our April 17th project we expect to have about 30 workers. This is an exciting time," said Moore.

The NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse has been a quick and overwhelming success. Completing their 10th Fire Mitigation Work Day Saturday, March 20, 2021 with 19 members, plus two dogs, they see new faces and more volunteers at each event. Approximately two acres of heavily forested property was mitigated and more than 2 cords of firewood harvested and delivered to neighbors for free. Not only has the group gained momentum in their efforts, but Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) has recognized them with a $4000 grant to continue and enhance their work.

Gene Sperry, board member of IREA, reached out to the Moores back in February to learn more about what they were doing. In March, he called again offering IREA money as a thank you and inducement to continue the groups efforts in northern Teller County. The grant was to use at they see fit. “Mitigating doesn’t require much money,” said Moore. “We discussed with the volunteers what they thought the money should be used for.” Possible uses of the money include fuel for the chainsaws, new saw chains for the volunteers, hiring a professional when the group encounters trees they do not feel competent to remove, and purchase of mitigation tools to reward the group’s volunteers.

With years of experience removing standing dead trees, identifying diseased trees, eliminating ladder fuel, and burning slash piles, the Moores have found many labor saving, forest preserving short cuts. "Burning in snowy conditions and making hiking trails through the property are a smart way to go," he says. "The trails create access for firefighters should a wildfire come through, and delineate spots for slash burning. Burning sterilizes the ground under the burn, and nothing will grow in the burned area for a long time. We have learned that burning on a trail preserves the natural beauty of the forest, makes for less work to carry limbs and debris, and improves access to all parts of the property. Burning slash after a snow event means the fire will be easy to control, " added Moore.

The March workday was held on Carolyn Bosher’s property, located on Pathfinder Road near Indian Creek Subdivision in Florissant. The 40 acre heavily forested property was purchased by Mrs. Bosher and her late husband in the mid 1970’s but remains vacant. The team worked in 6 to 8 inches of snow cover with sunshine and mild temperatures. They cut dead and weak standing trees; removed ladder fuel, and at one point, had 8 slash piles burning. Mrs. Bosher was over the moon thankful for all the Posse did. “I had tears in my eyes when I looked at my property and the clearing the Posse did,” said Ms. Bosher.

Ira Hanson of Hanson Tree Service stopped by to learn more about the group. “I am amazed at the amount of work a bunch of old farts can get done,” he commented. Doug Lagasse of Lake George and his dog Ellie arrived early to the property with his trailer in tow. He began cutting north of the Bosher’s driveway. Mr. Lagasse, along with Mark Waldo of Florissant, are the longest serving members and true work horses of the group. Doug suggested “The NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse motto should be: “Chop ‘til You Drop!”

David and Heather Swarthout, also of Lake George, arrived with three chain saws, and a wheel barrow. David and Heather worked west side of the driveway, clearing and burning. In April, the group will work on their property on Crystal Peak Drive.

Ellie and Steve Saleny of Florissant provided tree removal, wood burning, and campfire cooking. Ellie’s tamale pie cooked over the fire coals was well received by the hungry volunteers.

Mary and Corky Capps, Kimberly Miller, Tobi Steinberg, and Renate Scott, all of Florissant, rounded out the group’s volunteers at the March workday.

To learn more or to join the group contact Don Moore, runningman2626@yahoo.com; 719.839.0860.