Wildfire Partners’ Chipping Program is
closed for the winter.
Watch here for information on the 2025 Chipping Season starting in April.
Boulder County has completed the 2024 Wildfire Partners Community Chipping season to help residents manage vegetation and reduce slash (small branches, twigs, brush, and small trees) on their properties.
This program supports community safety by fostering a cleaner and more fire-resilient environment. Homeowners groups of five or more can work together to hold a chipping event in their community.
Who Can Participate?
All residents within Boulder County can join the program, including those from incorporated and unincorporated areas.
What is a Chipping Event?
During a chipping event, homeowners prepare piles of slash in front of their homes. On the scheduled eventdate, a county-approved contractor arrives to chip the piles using a wood chipping machine. The woodchips are then transported to partnering farm sites or Boulder County community sort yards for disposal.
This year, we’ve added more contractors and made it easier for you to host an event. Make sure to read this entire page and the 2024 FAQ’s before proceeding.
How the Program Works
- Organize a Group: One person (the Host) gathers at least four other neighbors to join the chipping event.
- Apply: The Host completes an application for the group.
- Approval: Wildfire Partners reviews the application and notifies the Host of approval within 1-2 weeks.
- Schedule: Upon approval, the Host receives a list of approved contractors and instructions for scheduling the event.
- Coordinate: The Host schedules the event with a contractor and informs the community and Wildfire Partners of the date.
- Educate: The Host educates neighbors on how to prepare their slash piles using the provided guidelines.
- Chipping Day: The contractor chips the slash piles and transports the woodchips to approved sites.
- Payment: Wildfire Partners pays the contractor directly once the work is complete.
Application Information
Before applying, gather the names, addresses, and emails of the participating neighbors. At least five neighbors (including the Host) are needed for approval. To see the success of last year’s program, check out the 2023 Chipping Program Results.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need additional information, please email Zack Bertges at zbertges@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-678-6168.
Application
Before completing the application, please ensure that you have the names, addresses, and emails of the neighbors who will participate in the chipping event. This information must be provided on the application. Please remember that at least 5 neighbors (including the Chipping Event Host) must be included for the application to be approved.
If you have questions or need additional information, please email Zack Bertges at zbertges@bouldercounty.gov.
