"Hazard Ignition Zone" (HIZ) Cost Share Reimbursement App
Grand County Wildfire Council (GCWC) is offering private single landowners the opportunity to apply for cost share reimbursement funding in an effort to implement recommendations outlined in our Grand County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (arcgis.com) (Grand County CWPP). 

The first step in the process is to complete the below application, but please read through the information located here before completing your application.

Description of "Hazard Ignition Zone" Reimbursement

This program focuses on mitigating the Hazard Ignition Zones (HIZ) around homes/ structures. This zone includes:
  • the first 100 ft around homes and/or structures; and
  • ingress/ egress routes (i.e. driveways) up to 20 ft on either side. 
In an effort to make our limited funds have the greatest impact across the county, there is a maximum reimbursement of up to 50% of cost, up to $5,000 match per property, and/or up to $1,500 match per acre (whichever is least.) Funds are limited and will be first come first serve on an annual basis. Actual amount to be reimbursed determined after project is completed. 

This program is for pre-fire mitigation work performed by a contractor. For those considering performing work on their own, please visit our Community Chipping Days page for information on slash disposal and/or reach out to the Wildfire Council with questions.

*NEW FOR 2024 - APPLICANTS MUST HAVE A HOME WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT COMPLETED PRIOR TO WORK BEING COMPLETED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE COST SHARE PROGRAM.* This is in addition to completing the below application. These assessments are completed by a wildfire mitigation expert from either a local fire district or a Grand County Wildfire Council employee. After completing the below application, we will reach out to you to schedule your assessment. Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis, until available funding has been expended. 

Project Description: Projects that involve clearing or reducing vegetation around a structure/home are eligible, as outlined on your wildfire risk assessment. Examples of eligible projects are juniper shrub removal, tree removal, tree thinning, tree limbing and pruning. 

HIZ Cost Share Application Process
  1. Private single homeowner completes the below application.
  2. GCWC receives the application and reaches out to homeowner applicant to schedule Home Wildfire Risk Assessment with Fire District or GCWC employee.
  3. Fire District or GCWC employee completes the Home Wildfire Risk Assessment. This assessment may include items that the homeowner can complete on their own. Homeowner takes "before" pictures. 
  4. Homeowner provides the Home Wildfire Risk Assessment to Tree Contractor(s) for bid (see list of contractors on GCWC website under Resources). 
  5. Tree Contractor(s) provide bid for fuels reduction to homeowner. Homeowner need not select all assessment recommendations in order to be eligible for reimbursement. 
  6. Homeowner selects Tree Contractor.
  7. Homeowner submits Tree Contractor estimate alongside Home Wildfire Risk Assessment to GCWC for funding consideration.
  8. GCWC Board of Directors reviews project. 
  9. If funds are available and the project is approved by the board, GCWC provides an award letter outlining allocation of funds to homeowners in recognition of program parameters: up to 50% of cost, up to $5,000 match per property, and up to $1,500 match per acre (whichever is least) for homeowner to complete fuels reduction project. If project is not approved, GCWC will provide a letter outlining why the project was not approved. (Typically, this would be if project is outside of assessment recommendations or funding is exhausted.)
  10. Tree Contractor completes project and Homeowner pays contractor.
  11. Homeowner submits before and after pictures, proof of acreage treated, receipts and proof of payment, and a W-9 to GCWC. GCWC reserves the right to verify the final acreage treated.
  12. Once the project is complete, GCWC will submit a request to our grantors for funds disbursement and notify the homeowner. Homeowners should plan for a minimum of 60 days for reimbursement turnaround once they are notified that GCWC has submitted their project to our grantors.
For multiple landowners and/or communities interested in pursuing a large project, (which may be more cost effective,) please see our Strategic Fuels Reduction Project Application. 

*If you have not completed your project and wish to further inquire about the program (including a potential reimbursement amount), email bewildfireready@gmail.com or call 970-627-7121.
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS
1) Our program is a REIMBURSEMENT program, meaning that the project must be complete and entirely paid for by YOU before we will consider reimbursement.  NO funds are guaranteed in advance of project completion. GCWC will only reimburse projects completed in the same calendar year as the date of application.
 
2) Grant funds for this program are limited and are allocated on a first come-first serve basis. The first person to present us with PAID RECEIPTS, post-completion photos, and other required documents gets the funds. 
 
3) This is a competitive program. If you want to be reimbursed for work done this year, you may want to consider expediting the work. You will be required to re-apply if the work is not completed within the same calendar year as the date of application.

4) Projects are reimbursed by the ACRE MITIGATED. Max payout is $1,500/acre, up to 50% of the project cost, and with a maximum of $5,000 per property, whichever is least.
I understand that this is a reimbursement program and reimbursement funds are not guaranteed, until my project is completed within the established time frame and required documents are submitted, which includes this application, a home assessment, contractor estimate, paid invoices/receipts, before and after photos, proof of acreage, and a W-9 are presented to GCWC, and approval is granted? *
Required
Application
This form will initiate your application for the Hazard Ignition Zone (HIZ) Cost-Share Program.

Supporting documents (as described toward the end of this form) are required and must be emailed or mailed to the Grand County Wildfire Council to complete your application. GCWC will be in contact to schedule your Home Wildfire Risk Assessment.
Name *
Email *
Phone number *
Mailing Address *
Project Address *
HOA or Community Name (enter N/A if you are not in an HOA/Community) *
Number of Acres Estimated to be Treated *
This program is limited to the first 100 ft around your home/structures and the 20 ft on either side of your ingress/egress (i.e. driveway.) 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft. (Example: Driveway = 40 ft (either side) * 100 ft long driveway = 4,000 sq ft = 0.1 acre.) Please estimate and we can assist you if needed. 
Please provide the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) wildfire hazard rating for your community/neighborhood and provide your Fire District. (Choose a fire district and a hazard rating.) This information can be found on the Grand County CWPP: Grand County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (arcgis.com). For Wildfire Hazard Rating, navigate down to the subtab of "Risk Hazard Assessment." For Fire Districts, navigate down the page to the subtab of "Fire Response."
Grand County
Grand Fire (Granby)
Grand Lake Fire
East Grand Fire (Tabernash/Fraser/Winter Park)
Hot Sulphur Springs/Parshall Fire
Kremmling Fire
Extreme
Very HIgh
High
Moderate
Low
Clear selection
Program Acknowledgments
If you cannot answer "Yes"  to ALL questions below, please email bewildfireready@gmail.com or call 970-627-7121 to discuss your concerns.  
I understand that this is a reimbursement program and that I am responsible for full payment to the selected contractor. *
Required
I understand that this is a grant-funded program. The program may end or change when allocated grant dollars are expended and/or new funding sources are acquired. *
Required
I understand that my application is subject to prioritization. *
For more information on Defensible Space, see pages 8-9 of this Home Ignition Zone guide: https://bewildfireready.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021_CSFS_HIZGuide_Web.pdf
Required
I understand that the maximum funds I may receive will be $1,500 per acre mitigated, 50% of the project cost, or $5,000 per property, whichever is least. Maximum payout may also depend on the availability of funding. Thus, I acknowledge that, if my application is approved, I may be reimbursed for less than 50% of the total cost of the project.  *
Required
I understand that GCWC will only consider projects completed in the same calendar year as the date of application. *
Required
I understand that I am required to submit all documents listed in the "REQUIRED Supporting Documentation" section below.   *
Required
I understand that these actions are designed to lower my risk in the event of a fire and are not a guarantee that my home and/or structures will not be affected or destroyed in the event of a fire. *
Required
REQUIRED Supporting Documentation and Process Outline
The following documents are required and may be emailed or mailed to GCWC.

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, PROJECT ADDRESS AND MAILING ADDRESS WHEN SUBMITTING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.

Grand County Wildfire Council
PO Box 338
Granby, CO 80446
bewildfireready@gmail.com
970-627-7121
  1. This application.
  2. Home Wildfire Risk Assessment completed by Fire District or GCWC employee. During the assessment is a good opportunity to take at minimum two (2) digital pre-work photos of the project which will be required.
  3. Contractors Bid/ Estimate for project.
  4. Submit the above documents to GCWC for funding consideration.
  5. GCWC will provide award or declination letter.
  6. If awarded, additional final required documents prior to reimbursement include: 
  • At minimum (2) digital pre-work photos and two (2) digital post-work photos of the project area. Photos should be taken from the same location and perspective if possible.
  • Proof of acreage treated. GCWC reserves the right to verify the final acreage treated in person.
  • All receipts for payments made as well as proof of payment.
  • W-9 submission to GCWC.
Once the project is complete, GCWC will submit a request to our grantors for funds disbursement and notify the homeowner. Homeowners should plan for a minimum of 60 days for reimbursement turnaround once they are notified that GCWC has submitted their project to our grantors.


Additional Required Actions
--Relocate your firewood pile to at least 30 feet away from your home (if applicable).

--Continuously clear flammable debris from gutters and roof (if applicable).

--Mow grass to a height of four inches or less for at least the first 15 feet surrounding your home (if applicable).

--Rake/remove pine needles and other flammable debris away from the home (if applicable).

--Remove flammable material from underneath any elevated decking (if applicable).

--Agree to maintain your defensible space/ fuels reduction and regularly address items above.

I agree to fulfill ALL "Additional Required Actions" listed above.
I understand that, per IRS tax rules, any reimbursement I receive is considered taxable income to me.  I agree to provide a completed IRS W9 form upon approval of my application and prior to receiving reimbursement.  I also understand that I will receive an IRS 1099 form for payments made to me at the end of the tax year.  
 *
Required
Attestation *
Required
By selecting the "Submit" button below, you are submitting your application. If you wish to confirm the receipt of your application, please wait for 48 hours after submitting. Then, email us at bewildfireready@gmail.com.  
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