This grant-funded project on city-owned property west of town will reduce vegetation, or fuel, to protect critical infrastructure from potential wildfire impacts.

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Project Overview

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources’ Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program awarded the City of Boulder a $900,000 grant toward a fuel reduction project on Tram Hill, a city-owned property west of Boulder. The project will:

  • Protect critical drinking water, hydroelectric and electrical infrastructure.
  • Increase first responder access in the event of a wildfire.
  • Help to reduce wildfire spread and severity.

This work builds on previous and ongoing wildfire resilience efforts to improve emergency access and reduce wildfire risk in Boulder.

Timeline

We are collaborating with multiple partners to plan and implement the Tram Hill project, including the Colorado State Forest Service, Boulder Watershed Collective, and Boulder County.

  • Phase 1: In early 2026, Xcel Energy will cut hazardous trees around their powerlines.
  • Phase 2: Following Xcel Energy’s work, city contractors will begin cutting trees along the same corridor. Trees will be stacked in piles in preparation for winter pile burning. This phase of the project is expected to be conducted between March and June 2026.
  • Phase 3: The Boulder Fire-Rescue Department will burn the piles for removal in the winter months of late 2026, 2027 and 2028 when snow is on the ground and as weather conditions allow.

Community Engagement

We will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to provide information for interested community members and answer questions. Meeting details will be posted along with other important updates on this project webpage and the city events webpage.

The City of Boulder is committed to transparent, inclusive and equitable community engagement. This project will inform the community per the city’s Engagement Strategic Framework.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions will be posted to this webpage once available.

Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy’s 2025-2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan involves a planned project to cut trees within 10 feet of powerlines. One of Xcel Energy’s powerlines falls within the treatment area for this Tram Hill project, all on city property. Xcel Energy plans to complete this work before March 2026.

If you have any questions about work being completed, you may reach out directly to Xcel Energy at 800-895-4999.

Stay Connected

Sign up for city news or check back on this webpage for project updates. To learn about the many wildfire resilience projects the city and our partners are working on in the area, visit Be Wildfire Ready.

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