Xcel Energy Funds 235-Acre Clear Creek and Rampart Range Fuel-Reduction Projects
Xcel Energy is partnering with the National Forest Foundation on two Colorado wildfire mitigation projects: a fuel break along Rampart Range Road near Woodland Park and a 235-acre fuels reduction at Clear Creek Reservoir. The collaboration aims to protect communities, watersheds and Xcel transmission infrastructure from growing wildfire threats.
1. Partnership Overview
Xcel Energy has launched a partnership with the National Forest Foundation to implement proactive wildfire mitigation and forest restoration across Colorado. The collaboration targets high-risk landscapes near communities, watersheds and Xcel transmission corridors through strategic fuels reduction and active forest management.
2. Rampart Range Fuel Break Project
The Rampart Range Road Fuel Break Project will establish a fuel break along a recreation corridor near Woodland Park and Colorado Springs. This area, impacted by mountain pine beetle infestation and hazardous fuel accumulation, includes critical Xcel transmission infrastructure vulnerable to severe wildfires.
3. Clear Creek Reservoir Project
The Clear Creek Reservoir Hazardous Fuels Project will treat 235 acres in Chaffee County surrounding a key water storage facility feeding the Upper Arkansas River. Selective tree removal and fuels reduction treatments aim to protect downstream water supplies, campground infrastructure and nearby communities.
4. Additional Partners and Impact
Additional partners include Pueblo Water, Aurora Water, the Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado State Forest Service. The joint effort reinforces long-term forest health and energy reliability by reducing wildfire risk for customers and infrastructure.