The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was established in response to the severe 2020 wildfire season and is a state-funded initiative aimed at reducing wildfire risks through collaborative efforts. Initially created under the bipartisan-supported SB21-258, the program received permanent funding during the 2023 legislative session. COSWAP is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure alignment with other state wildfire mitigation efforts.

COSWAP offers two main grant programs to support wildfire risk reduction. The first, the Workforce Development Grant Program, provides entry-level training and project opportunities in wildfire mitigation and forestry, aimed at building a skilled workforce. The program funds wildfire mitigation crews, including the State Wildland Inmate Fire Team (SWIFT) and conservation corps accredited by the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), to perform mitigation work in designated areas. Organizations can apply for grants to cover crew costs or seek cash grants for hiring independent conservation corps, with funds available for related expenses like project management and equipment.

The second grant program, the Landscape Resilience Investment, focuses on large-scale, landscape-level mitigation projects in strategic areas identified as high priority for wildfire risk reduction. These projects are developed collaboratively to address the specific needs of the region, such as watershed protection and forest health. Funding is provided to support significant mitigation efforts across areas with high populations at risk of wildfires, including counties like Boulder, Jefferson, and Larimer, as well as focal areas under the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative.

The 2024 COSWAP Workforce Development Grant is currently accepting applications, which are due by November 1, 2024. This grant cycle includes a new requirement for all projects to be completed within the calendar year 2025. Eligible applicants include federal and state agencies, local governments, tribes, public utilities, and non-profit organizations involved in natural resource management or wildfire prevention. Matching funds are not required for crew time grants, but a 25% match is needed for cash grants to cover project management costs, with an exemption for tribal entities.

The program emphasizes targeted mitigation efforts in geographic areas identified as having the highest wildfire risk and capacity for impactful intervention. COSWAP partners with organizations like the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute to monitor project outcomes, ensuring that funded initiatives effectively reduce fire hazards and protect communities.

For further information or assistance with applications, prospective applicants can reach out to Courtney Young or Roberta Anderson from the program administration team.