Protecting and preserving Jeffco: Strengthening our community through wildfire management and beyond

As we all enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July with friends and family, I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and protect the beautiful area we call home. Amidst a time of potential cuts at the federal level, I'm proud to announce a significant investment in our Wildland Fire Management Program. This investment, which I will outline in more detail below, will ensure our community's safety and the preservation of our cherished natural resources.

Speaking of natural resources, I recently had the pleasure of touring some of Jeffco's amazing parks, trails, and open spaces with our Parks and Conservation Director Tom Hoby, Deputy Director Hillary Merritt, and Community Connections Director Matt Robbins. This tour was not only an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of our county, but also to gain insight into the challenges we face and the potential solutions for preserving these treasured areas.

Protecting our county is a top priority, whether the threat comes from fire or federal budget cuts. To this end, the Jeffco Board of County Commissioners has issued several letters, proclamations, and resolutions in response to potential budget cuts that threaten our county and vital programs that Jeffco residents depend on. We have made our stance clear to our federal colleagues, and we will continue working toward mitigating any negative impacts to the best of our ability. I have included links to those documents below as well.

As we celebrate our independence this Fourth of July, I invite you to continue reading to learn more about these important topics that affect our community. Also, 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the Evergreen community. To commemorate the anniversary, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce is hosting a major July 3 event (tonight) at Buchanan Park, which will include historical organizations, speakers, classic cars, vintage games, and a hot air balloon glow. Perhaps I will see you there. Happy Fourth of July!

Commissioners approve major investment in Wildland Fire Management Program

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli are excited to announce the launch of a new Wildland Fire Management Program that will help to address and mitigate extreme wildfire danger in Jeffco. With the approval of this program, the county will invest nearly $7 million in wildfire mitigation and response.

According to the U.S. Forest Service’s 2024 Wildfire Risk to Communities analysis, Jefferson County has the second highest wildfire risk of all Colorado counties and faces greater risk to wildfire than 98% of counties nationwide. In response to this clear wildfire risk, the county has developed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to guide wildfire mitigation and planning efforts.

In 2024, Jefferson County voters passed Ballot Measure 1A, which authorizes the county to collect and retain funds from authorized revenue sources to fund transportation and infrastructure and public safety, specifically including wildfire and flood mitigation and response. County leaders presented a proposal for how this funding could be applied to wildfire mitigation and response, and the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the proposal at our public hearing on June 24.

The goal of the program is to establish a holistic Wildland Fire Management Program to protect the citizens and values of Jefferson County from catastrophic wildfire threats. To learn more about the program, click HERE. 

Jeffco Parks & Conservation (Open Space)

The Jefferson County Parks and Conservation department, sometimes referred to as Parks and Open Space, consists of five different areas of responsibility including: Stewardship, Planning, Visitor Services, Community Connections, and Administration and Real Estate. The director of the department, Tom Hoby, works closely with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and the Open Space Advisory Committee, to oversee the management and operations of the sales tax-funded program and the five sections that make up the department.

The mission of the department is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources, and to provide healthy, nature-based experiences. They are responsible for a wide range of programs, facilities, and amenities including more than 58,000 acres, 27 parks, and a trail system that spans 269+ miles. I highly encourage you to take a look at their website where you can find information on all the parks, trails, programs, facilities, and recreational opportunities that they offer, including interactive maps. Also, while you are there, check out the history of Jeffco Open Space and explore the ways in which you can get involved. 

Since I reside in the northern part of the county, I requested a south county tour of our parks and open spaces so that I could become more familiar with the opportunities and challenges of the areas we manage. Director Tom Hoby conducted the tour, along with Deputy Director Hillary Merritt and Community Connections Director Matt Robbins, and they covered a number of topics including: land conservation, landowner relations, intergovernmental relations, public engagement, ongoing projects and construction, facilities management, the Land Stewardship Resources program, the Invasive Species Management program, the Wildfire Mitigation “SLASH” program, and more! 

Unfortunately, we only had four hours to tour these sites, and we barely scratched the surface of what Jeffco Open Space has to offer. I look forward to touring the central and northern portions of Jeffco Open Space in the near future as well. For now, here are the nine sites we visited below.

Jefferson County Open Space South County Tour

To begin our tour, we met at the Jefferson County Open Space office and traveled south along C-470. The first “stop” was in fact not a stop, but the Front Range Scenic Preservation Area to the west of C-470. In 1989, the Front Range was experiencing significant population growth, leading to concerns about the “Mountain Backdrop.” This likely fueled efforts to preserve open spaces and scenic landscapes such as the Front Range Scenic Preservation Area. The effort to preserve the area was based on a 1996 report spurring a multi-county agreement and and a $125 million investment to help preserve 29,302 acres spanning from El Paso to Larimer County. Some key features include Tincup Ridge, Stafford Hogback, and Mount Glennon. (Photo Credit: C-470 Website)

Fehringer Ranch

Our second stop was Fehringer Ranch, which is approximately 135 acres and located near Highway 285 just south of Bear Creek Lake Park, and near Harriman Lake, which is owned by the Denver Water board. We discussed opportunities for a future county park and reviewed the county process to evaluate where county park and open space resources and funds should be invested. 

Meyer Ranch Park

Our third stop was Meyer Ranch Park, which is located along Highway 285 near North Turkey Creek Road. Meyer Ranch Park is approximately 667 acres and is a very popular spot for hiking. We have performed numerous ongoing forest health work here over the years, and we are in the process of implementing several trailhead improvements. In addition to the beautiful grassy meadow, hikers can experience lodgepole forests, Aspen groves, and even an old ski run that is now a trail. 

Beaver Ranch Park

The fourth stop on the tour was Beaver Ranch Park, located off Highway 285 just south of Conifer. This park consists of approximately 446 acres and is managed in partnership with the Beaver Ranch Community Inc. (BRCI). The park has a number of amenities including a disc golf course, dog park, trails, and even zip-lining! We are in the process of implementing a 2017 Master Plan, including park improvement projects totaling $9 million, to be completed by 2027. 

State Land Board property (Shadow Mtn. Road)

For our fifth stop, we visited several areas between Conifer and Evergreen, including a property owned by the State Land Board along Shadow Mountain Road. At one point, this property was under consideration for a privately owned bike, but that effort was turned down by the BCC. The area residents are interested in preserving the site and Jeffco is looking into possible lease opportunities with the State Land Board in order to study our options. (Photo Credit: CBS news story)

Flying J Ranch Park

Our sixth stop was the Flying J Ranch Park, which consists of 418 acres and located along Highway 73. This is a beautiful park with several covered picnic areas, ample trails for hikers and cyclists, and beautiful forests filled with a diverse range of pine trees, including lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful three-mile loop trail that winds through these old-growth forests. As such, we are working on a number of forest health projects in the area. 

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

The seventh stop on the tour was Alderfer/Three Sisters Park in Evergreen. The park consists of approximately 1131 acres, and we are in the process of redesigning the West Trailhead. We are incorporating several design features meant to honor the landscape and will resemble the existing barn. Parking is limited during construction, so we recommend using the parking lot located at Wilmont Elementary School. We are exploring a possible future East Trailhead expansion as well. 

Elk Meadow Park

Our eighth stop was Elk Meadow Park, which is approximately 1658 acres. We are currently working on expanding the Lewis Ridge and Stagecoach Trailheads, including restoring the former dog off leash area and rebuilding the trail networks. We recently completed Mountain Pine Beetle work in this area, as well as other forest health work. Some of the new trailhead features include a safer pedestrian crossing to the south side trails, more parking, several picnic areas, and more accessible trails for people using mobility devices. This last feature was made possible through a partnership with RAD, Recreation Adventures for people with Disabilities, the Evergreen Park and Recreation District, Craig Hospital, and the National Sports Center for the Disabled. 

Former Bergen Meadows Elementary School

Our last ninth and final stop was to the former Bergen Meadows Elementary School, which is a site on the Jeffco Schools disposal list. There is a strong community interest in using the site for park and affordable senior housing purposes. We are exploring a possible JCOS land conservation partnership program. Nothing has come forward to the Commissioners yet, but the site seems like a good opportunity worth exploring. 

Jefferson County Commissioners Adopt the Support of Public Lands Resolution

"The recent budget bill proposed to sell 14 million acres of Colorado's federal public land under the guise of increasing affordable housing, and was blocked by the Senate parliamentarian. Senator Mike Lee intends to continue pursuing legislation that includes the proposed sale of federal public land. The Trump Administration's recent reversal of the “roadless rule” threatens our water, wildlife, and public lands while removing safeguards from mass mining, drilling, and logging.

The 14 million acres of federal public land that would be eligible for sale in Colorado are vital to our state’s well-being. The over 125,000 acres of federal land in Jefferson County, complemented by 58,000 acres of Jefferson County Open Space land that our residents have funded through a sales tax since 1972, which welcomes 10 million visitors each year, who rely on these areas to connect with nature and the outdoors.

The Board of County Commissioners finds that the sale of our public land as well as the reversal of the “roadless rule” by the Trump Administration is counter to the American values that we and the residents and businesses of Jefferson County hold dear and the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners strongly oppose any sale of federal public land and urge our Congressional delegation to reject any proposals that support such action."

Read the full resolution: https://www.jeffco.us/4887

Commissioners’ Letter to Congress on SNAP

On June 6, 2025, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners wrote to Senator Michael Bennet urging him to oppose the proposed SNAP reforms — highlighting that ending Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility and imposing stricter work requirements could cut food assistance for over 38,000 vulnerable residents, cost the county more than $28 million, lengthen enrollment times, and deepen economic and health disparities. 

Read the full letter: Letter regarding SNAP

Commissioners’ Letter to Congress on Medicaid

On June 10, 2025, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners wrote to Senator Michael Bennet urging him to reject any federal legislation that cuts Medicaid funding, restricts eligibility, or imposes new administrative barriers — warning that such measures would jeopardize care for 79,241 local residents, drive up uncompensated care costs in our hospitals and clinics, deepen health disparities, inflict $2.25 million in lost economic activity and $825,000 in lost household earnings per $1 million cut, and threaten the viability of community health centers operating on razor-thin margins.

Read the full letter: Letter regarding Medicaid

RMMA Part 150 Study Open House: Jefferson County and the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) will host a Public Open House to introduce the community to the newly underway Part 150 Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study (Part 150 Study). The Public Open House will take place on July 10, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in the Centennial Ballroom. The Part 150 Study is a voluntary effort to assess and mitigate noise issues associated with an airport’s operations, ensuring a balance between the benefits of aviation and the quality of life for local residents. The Open House will be presented in an informal, drop-in format, allowing attendees to come and go at their convenience. For more information and to stay updated on future meetings and project milestones, click HERE.

Short-Term Rentals regulation update: We are taking another big step towards finalizing Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations in Jefferson County. Planning & Zoning is proposing updates to the Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations. The goals behind these updates include:

• Protecting long-term housing resources
• Minimizing risk of life during emergency evacuations
• Facilitating responsible, safe short-term rental usage to ensure compatibility with surrounding communities
• Balancing the benefits and burdens of the administration and enforcement of STR licensing and enforcement

You are welcome to submit comments until July 20 on our website, jeffco.us and type "regulation updates" into the search bar.

Jeffco Head Start accepting applications: Jefferson County Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year! Head Start is a comprehensive, no-cost preschool and early education program for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years living in Jefferson County. Head Start supplies full support for families, including parenting classes, mental health services, and nutritious meals for students. To learn more, check eligibility requirements, and apply for the 2025 – 2026 school year, click HERE.

Together Jeffco full public drafts available: Development & Transportation is excited to announce that the Full Public Drafts of the Together Jeffco 2045 Comprehensive Plan and the Transportation & Mobility Plan are now available for public review. These draft plans reflect the input received from community members, external agencies and Planning Commission to date. While still a work in progress, they represent an important step toward shaping the future of Jeffco. We are asking that citizens participate through online and/or in-person opportunities and to provide feedback by July 30, 2025. Online participation is through the Together Jeffco website. In-person participation is through open house events:  

Arvada

Date: Wednesday, July 16

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Apex Center, Randall Room, 13150 W 72nd Ave, Arvada

Golden

Date: Monday, July 21

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Jefferson County Administration and Courts Building, Faye Griffin Room, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden

Littleton

Date: Thursday, July 24

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Columbine Library, 7706 W Bowles Ave, Littleton

Evergreen

Date: Thursday, July 17

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Evergreen Fire Rescue Administration Offices, Classrooms, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen

Conifer

Still being finalized! 

Additionally, there will be a BCC briefing on on Tuesday, July 29 to give an update on the changes from the partial to full drafts and an update on how public participation is going. For more information, click HERE. 

Boards and commissions applications now open: Want to make a positive impact in our community? Apply to serve on Jefferson County's boards and commissions! Public involvement is fundamental to good government, and service through Jefferson County’s volunteer boards and commissions is an effective way for citizens to provide valuable input and make a positive impact to our community. With over 300 positions available, there's a wide variety of issues to choose from. Don't miss out on this opportunity to provide valuable input. Open positions are accepted annually, typically each July, with evaluations in August and appointments in late September for staggered terms. Apply today at https://www.jeffco.us/767/Boards-Commissions, or for more information, click HERE. 

Engage Jeffco Podcast: This year we recently launched the first ever Jefferson County Podcast – called Engage Jeffco. Our Public Affairs team is working on this podcast to take a more in-depth look at county topics. We have an interesting episode that came out on June 29 about the Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail and the history of Rocky Flats. Just search Engage Jeffco Podcast on Spotify to listen to that one and our previous episodes, or click HERE.