Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Good morning! I trust you are well and looking forward to the fast-approaching holiday season. This is definitely an exciting time of the year with many activities to occupy your time, including NoFloCo. Below is an update on several NoFloCo Projects and Events that are in progress and need your attention, assistance, and participation. Thanks again for all you do to address the mission of NoFloCo and for your continued support and energy.

Mission Statement: To assist private property owners within the Wildland Urban Interface footprint with fire mitigation, fire awareness, forest health and follow the tenets of the Cohesive Strategy to make the community safer from fire danger, improve property appearance, and have fun.

NoFloCo Projects and Events

Mini-Project - Tree Felling and Firewood Harvesting: The primary purpose of this Mini-Project is to assist the property owner with tree removal and produce firewood for the NoFloCo Firewood Raffle that will be taking place during the Christmas Tree Give-Away and the Christmas Parade. A total of three (3) cords of firewood will be raffled and delivered to the raffle winners. Sawyers, Limbers, Buckers, and Swampers will be needed to assist with this Project. Trailers will be loaded with firewood.

Project Manager: Bob and Cathy Perry - bobncathy@comcast.net

Mini-Project - Christmas Tree Give Away: This project will involve the harvesting and delivery of Christmas Trees to predetermined locations in downtown Florissant for the NoFloCo Christmas Tree Give-Away. Local merchants including Thetford Real Estate Agency; Iron Tree; Florissant Mercantile; and Pikes Peak Historical Society will also be participating. Locations for tree harvesting have been located and identified. Trees will be cut, loaded, and delivered. If you have trees that would be good Christmas trees that need harvesting on your property, let us know and we can make arrangements.

Project Manager: Jenn Chaney - jennchaney2013@gmail.com and Don Moore - donmoore@nofloco.org

Mini-Project - Lights Above the Clouds Christmas Parade Preparation: We have talked about this for a couple of years and now we are doing it. We have officially entered the Lights Above the Clouds Christmas Parade. The theme for this year's parade is "Back to the Future". We have already had some incredible effort taking place on our entry, but we do need all of your assistance, ideas, and silliness to once again make this an "A +" Project.

Project Manager: Richard Dudley - guardguy1@yahoo.com and Cathy Perry - bobncathy@comcast.net

Please be sure to review each of the above Mini-Projects and reach out to the Project Managers with any questions you may have AND confirming your participation. Also, feel free to let me know if you have any questions as well.

NoFloCo Notes and Items of Interest

Property Assessments: We have been receiving several requests from real estate agents, home owners, and insurance agents for assistance with Property Assessments. Several NoFloCo members have obtained their Assessing Structure Ignition Potential certification from the NFPA and are assisting with these assessments. Gizmo Schultz has prepared a Property Assessment Checklist which we will be using to assist in the production of the NoFloCo Report and Project Prescription. In addition, Klear Kut Kohlman has assisted in conducting various assessments. I have also been in contact with the Florissant Fire Department regarding this matter and their plans on assessments. Please be sure to have all interested property owners reach out if they are interested in an assessment.

Home Hardening and ASIP Training for Residents: To date, NoFloCo has provided Session #2 of NoFloCo University - Home Hardening and ASIP - to 192 residents. Gizmo Schultz has another Session #2 planned for the residents of Highland Lakes for the month of December - so far he has over 100 residents signed up. In addition, we will have another Session #2 at the Florissant Library at the end of January. If any of you have not attended, these are your next opportunities. Also, if you would like a Session #2 to be provided in your subdivision/HOA/POA please reach out and we will get it scheduled. Part of our mission is to educate the residents.

NoFloCo University Session #3: We are currently putting together Session #3 for NoFloCo University. This Session will focus on mitigation efforts in Zone 2, 3, and 4, as well as the planning and prescription process for the NoFloCo Projects. Session #3 is being planned for some time in January 2025!

NoFloCo Firewood Raffle: As you know, NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse' operates as a Committee of the Indian Creek Property Owners Association (ICPOA). ICPOA is obtaining their 2024 State of Colorado Raffle license/permit which is allowing us to raffle firewood. We will be raffling off three (3) cords of firewood during the next three weeks - so be sure to watch the announcements and spread the word to all those needing firewood.

Many thanks for reading, pondering, and responding. I look forward to seeing all of you during the Holiday Season. As always, please reach out with any questions or comments.

We Are, NoFloCo!

Skol - - -

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity."


Sunday, October 27, 2024

Good Sunday afternoon - I trust those of you that were on the NoFloCo Project yesterday (Saturday, October 26, 2024) are well rested and benefiting from the infusion of Mycobacterium vaccae.  As the NoFloCo Fire Mitigation movement continues to gather momentum, it seems that our Projects are also bigger and grander - and yesterday was no exception.

You all should be very proud of what you accomplished during our recent NoFloCo Project.  If you are out and about, I suggest you all take a drive by these properties and see the difference.  


A quick NoFloCo By the Numbers from our recent Project:

A couple of special the from the Project:

Upcoming NoFloCo Projects and Events

First, Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.  Be safe and enjoy your family and friends during these festive occasions. 

NoFloCo Action Items

Again, a large NoFloCo thanks from me to each of you.  You all just continue to amaze me and make me proud to be part of this movement.  We are family; We are friends; We are united; We are NoFloCo!


Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024

Good Tuesday evening - I am not sure that I will be posting NoFloCo News and Updates on a daily basis, however I do have some timely items I wish to share with you all.  For those of you that do not care, please locate the "trash can" icon and delete.  


First, a huge "thank you" to all that have responded to my most recent message regarding the NoFloCo Appreciation Gala and the upcoming projects and events.  There is lots of momentum happening.  


Second, it appears as though the summary of the NoFloCo Appreciation Gala and the wearing of the NoFloCo Jackets has garnered the attention of many.  We have been contacted by the local press asking for more information.  I cannot let the opportunity pass without once again thanking each of you that were in attendance this past Saturday, and those of you that were with us in spirit.  No matter how big or small your contribution and effort to the NoFloCo mission, it is vital, important, needed and so very much appreciated.  


We were quite busy this past Saturday and in the excitement and energy of the evening, there were items I forgot to mention.  Toni and I fully understand and have stated this to all of you on several occasions, you all have busy lives and any contribution you make to NoFloCo is valued and honored.  Believe it or not, Toni and I have lives that are outside of NoFloCo.   However your partner/spouse, kids/family, job/career, travel/vacation, hobbies/social, etc. should all take precedence over NoFloCo.  I look forward to each of you earning your NoFloCo Jacket; many of you are close, others are commencing their journey.  The reason behind the "Purple Pennants" was to provide you a placeholder for your pins until you earn your NoFloCo Jacket.  


What I forgot to mention on Saturday is that 40 NoFloCo Jackets were awarded; 28 Jackets were awarded to individuals that have attended 15 or more NoFloCo Projects and remain as active members; an additional 8 

Jackets were awarded to individuals that have attended 11 to 14 NoFloCo Projects AND 20% of the 2024 Projects (the thinking here was to award those individuals that have not had as many opportunities as us "old-timers"); 1 Jacket was awarded to a Food Crew regular; and 3 Jackets were awarded based upon subjective factors.  My apologies for not providing you with the information.  As stated above, I look forward to many more of you earning your NoFloCo Jacket over the next 12 months.  In fact, I hope to have more NoFloCo Project opportunities for you.


In fact, there are three (3) NoFloCo Projects happening within the next four (4) days - two Mini-Projects and a Full Scope Project.  Calling all NoFloCo'ers:

Let me know if the Mini-Projects above interest you and I will provide you with details.  


Thanks again for all you do and my apologies for not providing you with this information on Saturday evening.  As always, should you have any questions just reach out, sleep is overrated.  


Skol - - - 


Don


Sunday, October 20, 2024

Donald Moore<donmoore@nofloco.org>

To:​Donald Moore​

Sun 10/20/2024 9:05 PM

Good evening.  Once again, I would like to thank each of you for your fantastic contributions to the NoFloCo Mission and Vision.  Many Opportunities remain and I look forward to partnering with each of you as our movement continues to gain momentum.  The message below has three (3) primary sections, each one of them requires your attention and action.  Your attention and response is requested for each of the three (3) sections.  Thanks in advance for your attention to these items.

SECTION #1:  NoFloCo Appreciation Gala Summary

To quote from the movie The Hangover, “We had a sick night bitches.”  Well maybe not like in the movie, but it was an epic evening nonetheless.  Coming together as a group to celebrate our accomplishments and set goals for the future, while at the same time recognizing and appreciating each of you was quite memorable.  Thanks to each of you for making the evening special, the walk down memory lane outlined how far we have come in our mission.  The train is moving, so glad to have you all on board.  Below is a quick summary of the evening.

NoFloCo Appreciation Gala – By The Numbers

·        Attendees:  94

·        NoFloCo Code of Chivalry Honorees: 6

·        NoFloCo Charter Member Patches:  21

·        ASIP Pins:  11

·        X-Force Pins:  15

·        Food Crew Pins:  19

·        Chain Saw Pins:  19

·        NoFloCo Varsity Jackets:  40 – Wear them with pride, more are coming, we are a force!

·        Wildland Fire Fighter Pins:  50

·        10 Project Pins:  101

·        Laughs, Tears, and Hugs:  Too many to count!

After the formal ceremony, you all amazed me with your dancing proficiency and energy at the T-Bird.  It further strengthened the following message:

·        We are family.

·        We are friends.

·        We are united.

·        We are NoFloCo.

Action Items Section #1:  Please provide me with your feedback on both the highlights and the lowlights, in other words what was done “right” and impressed you, as well as what was done “wrong” and needs attention.  In addition, any pictures that you have of the events/shenanigans from last night, please post them to the NoFloCo Facebook page.

SECTION #2 – Upcoming NoFloCo Full Scope Project

Time to shift our focus back to the NoFloCo mission and assist some private property owners residing within the WUI with fuel reduction.  This coming Saturday (October 19, 2024) we have a significant Project.  We will be working in Indian Creek on three (3) properties at an important ingress/egress intersection.  Each individual property has their own uniqueness to them, so we will once again be dividing into teams/sections.  Below is the initial overview of the Project.  Once I hear back from those that will be attending, a detailed Project Plan will be developed and sent out with teams/sections as well as assignments.

NoFloCo Full Scope Project #185

·        WHEN:   Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.

·        WHERE:  623 Fossil Creek Road, Florissant (Indian Creek)

·        WHAT:  NoFloCo Full Scope Project – 3 Properties all needing forest floor debris, ladder fuels, and tree felling.  Fire wood will be produced and removed from the property; slash piles or burn noodles will be constructed on site. 

·        WHY:  It is the NoFloCo Mission to assist private property owners and make our community safer.

·        WHO:  You and a friend or neighbor.

Action Items Section #2:  Please let me know if you will or will not be attending.

SECTION #3:  Other NoFloCo Events, Projects, and News

As the temperature drops and the daylight hours get a little shorter, we all know that means the holidays cannot be far behind.  This also means we all seem to get just a little more harried and busy.  Below are various items that will require our attention if we wish to make it happen. 

Projects or Events You May Be Interested In

·        Mini-Projects:  I have several Mini-Projects that require tree felling, limbing, and bucking, as well as the delivery of firewood.  If you have free time and want to assist, please reach out to me.

·        Home Hardening and ASIP Class for Residents:  On Monday, October 28, 2024 we will be hosting our 4th Home Hardening and ASIP Class for Residents.  The class will take place at the Florissant Library, for those of you that have not yet attended, mark it on your calendar.  For those of you wishing to assist, again, let me know. 

·        Christmas Tree Give-Away and Merriment:  The fine folks at the Thetford Real Estate Agency in Florissant have agreed to partner with NoFloCo for the 2024 Christmas Tree Give-Away.  This will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024.  We will be cutting trees early in the week and setting them up for the Give-Away and other Holiday Merriment at the Thetford Real Estate Office in Florissant.  All kinds of great opportunities for you, just let me know.

·        Lights Above the Clouds Christmas Parade:  We have talked about this for a couple of years, so this may be the year we get it done.  This will be on the evening of December 7, 2024.  We need to plan and determine what we would like to do – how about a planning meeting sometime this coming week.  If you would like to be involved, please reach out and we will get it scheduled.  Most likely on Thursday or Friday of this week (10/24 or 10/25)

Action Items Section #3:  Please review the above Opportunities and let me know which ones you would like to be involved with and when. 

Thanks to all of you for indulging me in all of this positive “stuff” – I rely on you and your input to make it happen.  Should you have any questions or need additional information. 

Skol - - - We are NoFloCo,

Don

Wednesday, Sept 25, 2024

Welcome to "hump day" - I have not heard or used that in a long time, so its a throw back.  Many thanks to all of you in advance for your patience and understanding on our upcoming event.  Without going into too much detail, changes have occurred, but we are ready to roll with a great NoFloCo Project.  Outlined below are the details for the next NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse’ Project scheduled for this coming SUNDAY (September 28, 2024).  This Project will continue the mitigation work that has been completed on the east side of the property and the Home Structure.


NoFloCo continues to provide the leadership for making Teller County less fire intense and fire dangerous.  I look forward to seeing you at the NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse’ Project this coming SUNDAY (September 28, 2024).   Please review the Project Details below and respond to the requested items. We will once again be dividing the Project Property into sections and making assignments. 

Mission Statement:  To assist property owners within the Wildland Urban Interface footprint with fire mitigation, fire awareness, forest health and follow the tenets of the Cohesive Strategy to make the community safer from fire danger, improve property appearance, and have fun.

PROJECT DETAILS

PURPOSE:  Perform a Full Scope NoFloCo Project on a private property within the WUI.  Removing a significant amount of biomass (fuel) in the form of fire wood and slash (including forest floor debris, ladder fuels, tree thinning, as well as dead & diseased trees) from the forest's western and northern sections to make the area safer and more fire resistant.  

TASK:  Clean forest floor of downed trees and slash; Remove ladder fuels; Fell crowded, diseased, and dead trees; Construct manageable slash piles for burning by property owner.  All  firewood will be removed from the property.  Reduce BTUs, stay safe, meet new mitigators, and have fun.

END STATE:  Forest floor cleaned, weak and diseased trees removed, neat and manageable slash piles constructed, fire wood placed in designated areas and removed. Project work area is clean, no one injured, and fun was had by all.

·        WHEN:  Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. (Mountain); Project Briefing at 8:34

·        WHERE:   509 John Drive, Florissant, CO -  The property is located just north of the Indian Creek Subdivision off of Wildhorn Road (County Road 3) The property is located within the Florissant Fire District

·        WHAT:  Full Scope NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Project – Subject property is a total of 4.4 acres, the eastern portion of the property has been mitigated, the western and northern portions of the property consist of a unhealthy forest.  We will focus on Zones 3 & 4 in the western and northern sections of the property.   We will focus first on clearing the forest floor and removing the useable firewood from the already downed trees.  Ladder fuels and small diameter weed trees will be removed.  Only then will additional trees be felled.   All fire wood will have a designated area and will be removed from the property.  Slash piles will be constructed along the already existing path, as well as in other designated areas.  for curing and burning at a later date.  (PLEASE NOTE:  The NoFloCo band of highly trained renegades, heathens, and rebels WILL NOT be burning, repeat we WILL NOT be burning – slash piles will be constructed and burned by the property owner at a later date. This Project will continue to outline the need for all to stay vigilant of the objectives of the Cohesive Strategy – “All Hands, All Lands” and “Increased Pace and Scale” 

·        WHO:  Any and all who can attend.  There is something for everyone at this Project.  Bring yourself and a friend, and great autumn day in the WUI.  Once again, we will be dividing the Posse’ members into teams and making assignments. so your attention is needed.  (PLEASE NOTE:  In an effort to be efficient, please let me know via email or Facebook if you are planning to attend this event. I know that many of you have already indicated you would be attending, but as you see there have been some changes, so humor me and let me know again.   Appropriate assignments will then be made.)

·        WHY:  Because this is what NoFloCo does – we put on boots and gloves, we pick up sticks, and we eliminate sticks – making our community safer.  The Property Owner, Susan Osbeck is also a strong supporter of the NoFloCo effort and is very exciting we are coming to her property.

ACTION ITEM:  Please let me know of your attendance.

PROJECT NOTES: 

Tree Felling – We will need chainsaws on this Project - lots of limbing and bucking - so if you have them, bring them.  As stated above, only when the forest floor and ladder fuels are cleared will we commend any additional tree felling.  Per NoFloCo policy only S212 Certified Sawyers will be allowed to drop trees.  S212 Sawyers will need all PPE to fell trees.  Once the tree is on the ground and the S212 Sawyer has declared the area safe, our Limbers and Buckers will then commence limbing and bucking.

Fire Wood - As outlined above, all fire wood created will be removed and placed in a designated area.  We will also be taking requests for fire wood for the community and limiting their pick up time.  Stay tuned for more information.  Bucking will be limited so as to move as much wood as possible without too much cutting.   Since we wish to create fire wood and we have been limited by our Teller County government regarding slash removal.  PLEASE be sure to make as much fire wood as possible when bucking and cutting, we wish to leave as small amount of slash on the property as possible. 

Attire and Weather – It is supposed to be a perfect NoFloCo Fire Mitigation weather day, please dress accordingly.

Parking – IMPORTANT:  pWe will need to be aware of parking, there is some parking on the property and we ill park on the east side of the property if you come up the drive - please keep space for the Food Crew.  For those of us parking on the street (John Drive) please be sure to park in a consistent manner on the south side of John Drive.

Food – The Food Crew with Ellie The Human and Cookie Carolyn have been amazingly flexible with this Project.  They have been in touch with many of you regarding these changes.  There is an outside electric outlook.  For any Food Crew questions or comments please reach out to Ellie The Human (skje1024@gmail.com). Many thanks to all of those that bring these delicious treats. 

Hydrate – Be sure to hydrate prior to arrival at the Project, bring your water bottle and hydrate during the Project, and during our wrap be sure to stay hydrated. 

Facilities – Bathroom facilities will be available at the Project site.

Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter and remaining committed the NoFloCo Mission – keep your ideas and suggestions coming and be sure to let me know if you will be attending this September 28, 2024 NoFloCo Project. 

Skol - - -

Don

719.839.0860


“I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.”


                                                                                                                                                                                          

Thursday, Sept 19, 2024

Good evening to each of you and many thanks for taking the time to be part of the NoFloCo Project this coming Saturday (September 21, 2024).  While today was an absolute beautiful day - I am not sure what the weather will be like on Saturday.  The good news is, we will be loading slash piles into a trailer and a truck.  Below are the details for the Project.  Please review and let me know if you have any questions.


Mini-Project – Slash Loading and Removal

Project Notes:

Many thanks and let me know if you have any questions.


Skol - - - 


Don


"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________


Honorable Members of the Colorado Wildfire Matters Review Committee - good evening and many thanks for your service and dedication to the residents and taxpayers of the Centennial State.  I also wish to thank you in advance for your attention and consideration of the following information.  I fully understand your busy schedules and the need to stay focused, so I will be brief. 


My name is Donald Moore, I along with my wife, Toni, reside in the Wildland Urban Interface of Teller County.  We are the co-founders of the NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse'.  The NoFloCo Mission is as follows:  


To assist private property owners within the Wildland Urban Interface footprint with fire mitigation, fire awareness, forest health; and follow the tenets of the Cohesive Strategy to make the community safer from fire danger, improve property appearance, and have fun.


To date, the efforts of this completely volunteer organization have resulted in the following:

All of the above have been completed on private property located within the WUI and in areas where significant values at risk reside.  It is my belief that the mission of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee - the study of wildfire prevention and mitigation - is closely aligned with the mission of NoFloCo.  The NoFloCo organization continues to provide mitigation services to private property owners, and the issue we are encountering is the same issue that many are facing - the efficient and effective elimination of biomass, i.e. fuel.  There has been a significant amount of mitigation efforts, but the elimination of the fuel is becoming a huge problem.  


My recommendation and request is for all of you to review the 2013 Colorado Prescribed Burning Act, Senate Bill 13-083 and overlay the goals and objectives of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and find a way for the objectives of the Colorado Prescribed Burning Act to be achieved, not just on state land, but on private property where there is a significant amount of value at risk.  In other words, the use of "good" fire on the ground will produce significant benefits.  Assuming a small amount of risk today will avoid catastrophic devastation in the future.  If you are unwilling to implement and champion the goals and objectives outlined in the Colorado Prescribed Burning Act, then I suggest you rescind this Act and save the taxpayer some funds.


In addition, as policy makers for all the residents of Colorado, I encourage you and/or someone from you staff attend the upcoming National Fire Prevention Agency's Assessing Structure Ignition Potential (ASIP) Training taking place in Divide, CO on the dates of October 10 and 11, 2024.  The ASIP Training provides the latest in fire science and research and outlines how structures within the WUI can survive a wildland fire.  If you are setting policy, you need the training and the information provided.   


I wish to thank you for your time and consideration.  I have given you all a great deal to digest and consider, however this is critical information to have in your role as a Committee Member of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee.  I am proud of the efforts the NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse' has achieved.  If fact, just today a homeowner contact me and stated that because of the efforts and actions of NoFloCo, their annual insurance premium declined $2,000.  Our efforts are directly impacting private property owners, perhaps some attention should be given to what is working.  I challenge you to stop talking about it, and lets start doing something about it.


I look forward to hearing from you and providing additional information and/or answering your questions.  


Best regards - - - 


Don


Donald Moore

Co-Founder NoFloCo Fire Mitigation Posse'

719.839.0860