Since August 2nd, 2025 the Elk and Lee Fires have burned more than 75,000 acres in Rio Blanco County with 0% containment (as of August 8th). We know this is a challenging time for many landowners, and we want you to know that local land management, conservation, and government partners will be coming together to coordinate watershed protection and recovery efforts in response to these fires. In the meantime, we’ve gathered the resources linked below to help answer questions and provide support as you navigate next steps.
 

Natural Resources Recovery Resources
Post-Fire Flooding & Mudslides

Red Cross Mudslide Safety Info
Colorado Flood Threat Bulletin

General Fire Recovery Resources

CSFS Restoration and Rehabilitation Resources (Colorado State Forest Service)
Wildfire Ready Watersheds Educational Resources (Colorado Water Conservation Board)
“After the Flames” Resources
CSU Extension Fire Resources Webpage (CSU Extension)
EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network)    
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)     
Guide to Staying Safe During Wildfires (SafeHome.org)
Wildfire (Ready Colorado)     
Wildfires (US Department of Homeland Security)
Wildfire Retardants (eXtension)
Post-Fire Recovery Resources (Coalitions & Collaboratives -COCO) 

SOIL Erosion

Soil Erosion Control after Wildfire (CSU Extension)
Erosion Potential After a Wildfire (University of Idaho)
What are Hydrophobic Soils? (NRCS)

Recovery Structure FACT SHEETS

BALN Structures
Concrete Barrier Wall
Contour Wattles
Erosion Control Mat
Hand Raking
Hesco Flood Barrier
Log Erosion Barriers
Mechanical Scarification
Modified Crib Wall
Rock Check Dam
Sandbag Barrier
Seeding Fact Sheet
Straw Bale Check Dam

SEEDING

Seeding after Wildfire (NRCS)
Grass Seed Mixes to Reduce Wildfire Hazard (CSFS)
Native Grasses for Use in Colorado Landscapes (CSU Extension)

TREES

Protecting Your Home: Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones (CSFS)
Vegetative Recovery after Wildfire (CSU Extension)
Fire Resistant Landscaping (CSFS)
Taking Care of Residential Trees after Wildfire (University of Nevada)
Native Trees for Colorado Landscape (CSU Extension)
Determine the Amount of Fire Injury Which Will Kill a Ponderosa or Lodgepole Pine (CSFS)
Determine the Amount of Fire Injury Which Will Kill a Douglas Fir (CSFS)
Determine the Amount of Fire Injury Which Will Kill a Aspen (CSFS)
Insects and Diseases Associated with Forest Fires (CSFS)
Replanting in Burn Areas: Tips for Safety and Success (CSFS)
Restoration and Rehabilitation (CSFS)

WATER Resources

Addressing Impacts of Wildfire on Water Resources (CSU Extension)
Resources for Water Users Impacted by Wildfire (CO Div of Water Resources)
Protecting and Restoring Ponds Following a Wildfire (CSU Extension)

Livestock/Pet/Ag Producers

Emergency Conservation Program for Ag Producers (FSA)
Cattle Care After Wildfires (Texas A&M)
Caring for Horses After Wildfire (Texas A&M)
Checklist of Considerations for Post-Fire Management (Texas A&M)
Fires & Wildfires (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
Caring for Livestock During Disaster (CSU Extension)
Caring for Livestock After Disaster (CSU Extension)
Colorado Hay Resources (Colorado Dept of Ag)
Guidelines for Horses Exposed to Wildfire Smoke (UC Davis Vet Med)
Wildfires, Smoke and Livestock (UC Davis)
Saving Pets, Saving People (CSU Extension)

WILDLIFE

Fencing For Wildlife (CPW)
Tracking Wildlife in Wildfire (KDVR/CPW)