Board Member Jim Bedwell: We can prevent forest fires

Jim Bedwell is former director of Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources for the U.S. Forest Service and serves on the Board of Directors for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC).

Original article from The Gazette, September 9, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Scarlett/The Denver Post.

The fires burning our beloved state and beyond are on everyone’s mind. Since June 1, The Gazette has published more than 50 articles about multiple wildfires — some now contained, some still blazing through once-beautiful landscapes and threatening homes, schools, and businesses. Some articles have suggested that little can be done to reduce the reach and effects of wildfires. I strenuously disagree, and I urge all Coloradans to do their part.

We’ve seen the human and economic devastation as livelihoods are destroyed and tourism dollars drop, from countless July Fourth fireworks being canceled and smoke blurring our beautiful scenery, to the temporary closures of Silverton’s Narrow Gauge Railroad and the San Juan National Forest, valued not only for its recreation income but also for its intrinsic value as part of Colorado’s outdoor-loving identity.

We’ve also seen the state come together: donating goods, offering shelter, and caring for firefighters — many of whom are volunteers.

But when the blazes are contained and the headlines fade, we cannot grow complacent. The problems caused by fire persist long after the flames recede, their scars visible on the blackened and barren land, now increasingly vulnerable to floods and mudslides.

In working with the U.S. Forest Service for over 35 years, I’ve seen wildfires grow worse year after year — along with the funds and resources to tackle them: more than 50 percent of the Forest Service’s budget has been used for wildlife suppression in the past few years, compared with only 14 percent two decades ago. Congress acted to address the suppression funding costs in the FY 2018 Omnibus funding bill and provide additional authorities to treat vegetation to reduce wildfire risk, but this alone will not reduce the effects of wildfire we have seen over the past two decades.

These issues will only worsen if we do not continue to act. Communities and homeowners must continue to work on defensible space around their homes and businesses, and support restoration efforts in forests, watersheds, and along utility corridors. Volunteers have always been important in managing the 14.5 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands in Colorado, but now they are indispensable. Prevention, mitigation, and restoration must be a year-round effort — and it must involve all Coloradans.

Nonprofit groups like Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado have demonstrated the efficacy of everyday people in fire/flood restoration and mitigation: in 2011, more than 500 volunteers seeded 240 acres of land after the Fourmile Canyon fire to prevent erosion and invasive weeds; in 2012 and 2013, they worked with the community-led High Park Restoration Coalition to train dozens of volunteers in fire restoration techniques and recruited hundreds to restore burn areas from the High Park and Waldo Canyon fires; and in 2014, 35 percent of Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado’s volunteer projects were devoted to recovery efforts, contributing over $1 million in donated labor on the Front Range alone.

These recovery efforts involve thousands of individuals and dozens of local partnerships — and many continue to this day, years after the initial disaster.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado has utilized over 100 volunteers this year to thin nearly 60 acres of forest to improve the area’s resiliency and remove dead trees that would fuel fires.

So ask yourself “What am I doing to help?”. If we wish to see fewer fires — or at least less severe fires — in the coming years, we need the state to work together and take a long-term, hands-on approach to forest restoration and prevention.

With everyone involved, we can prevent future loss of life and preserve the lands that sustain our state’s culture, quality of life, and economy — ultimately protecting the Colorado we all love.

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Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Addison Elam

July 16, 2026

Agriculture has always been a part of who I am. As an eighth-generation rancher, I was raised with a deep respect for the land, livestock, and the responsibility that comes with both. From an early age, I learned that taking care of the land is just as important as the work we put into it, and that connection has shaped the path I am choosing for my future. After graduating, I will be attending Otero College, where I plan to pursue degrees in Soil and Crop Science along with Agriculture Business (Agribusiness). I chose these areas of study because I want to better understand both the land and the business side of agriculture. Soil and crop science will allow me to focus on improving soil health, increasing productivity, and managing natural resources responsibly. Agribusiness will give me the tools to make sound financial and management decisions that are necessary to run a successful operation. My passion for these fields comes from growing up in agriculture and seeing firsthand how everything is connected. Healthy soil leads to better crops and forage, which directly impact livestock and the success of an operation. I have learned that caring for the land is not just about today—it is about ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities. Whether it is through conservation practices, responsible grazing, or improving soil health, I want to be part of protecting and strengthening agriculture while continuing to produce food. In addition to my background at home, my involvement in 4-H, FFA, and conservation-related work has strengthened my connection to both agriculture and nature. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of leadership, education, and sharing knowledge with others. I have also had the opportunity to work on soil moisture monitoring projects and participate in conservation efforts, which have further encouraged me to pursue a career that blends agriculture with environmental stewardship. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity that will help me continue working toward my goals. It not only provides financial support but also reinforces that the path I have chosen is meaningful. This support will allow me to focus more on my education and gaining the knowledge and skills I need to succeed without as much financial stress. In the future, my goal is to own and operate my own ranch. I want to build an operation that reflects strong business practices and a deep respect for the land. I also hope to work in a field such as natural resources or conservation, where I can continue to apply what I have learned and give back to the agriculture community. I am grateful for the support this scholarship provides. It is not only an investment in my education, but also in my future and the future of agriculture.

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Board Member Jim Bedwell: We can prevent forest fires

Board Member Jim Bedwell: We can prevent forest fires

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