Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) that the Colorado State Forest Service receives from the public.

What does the Colorado State Forest Service do?

The Colorado State Forest Service, an agency of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, has many offices located throughout Colorado. These sites offer Colorado citizens an easily accessible source of professional and technical forestry assistance coupled with educational outreach.

Together with other natural resource organizations, CSFS strives to provide comprehensive support for the care of our natural environment. This exchange of technical assistance and information among cooperating organizations ensures the commitment to a common goal future forests that will provide benefits for future generations.

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Where can I obtain hunting licenses, camping permits, boat, OHV (off-highway vehicle) or snowmobile registrations, tree cutting permits or public land maps?

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How can I protect my home and forest from wildfire?

Homeowners can take a number of steps to protect their property and help mitigate the spread of wildland fires. These steps include clearing excess fuel, creating defensible space around their homes and using FireWise practices. Many Coloradans living in the foothills in ponderosa and lodgepole forests must consider the fire-prone nature of these ecosystems.

For more information, visit: Protect your home, property and forest from wildfire.

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How can I become a wildland firefighter?

To be a wildland firefighter, you must be 18 years old and in good physical condition. If you meet these requirements, then you may begin the steps it takes to become red-carded.

For more information, visit: Becoming a wildland firefighter.

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My tree looks like it's dying. What's wrong with it?

Insects and diseases pose two of the most serious threats to your trees health. As soon as you notice any abnormality in your trees appearance, you must begin a careful analysis to gain an understanding of the problem. By examining the specific symptoms of damage and understanding their causes, you can make a reasonable diagnosis of the problem and select the proper treatment.

For more information about Colorado tree diseases, visit: What is wrong with my tree?

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What is the current fire ban status?

Before having a campfire, or engaging in a controlled burn, it is important to first check out the current fire ban status for your region.

Please visit the Colorado Fire Restrictions website, which has a comprehensive list of fire bans in counties and parks throughout the state during fire season.

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I am a Colorado educator. How can I get information about wildland fire and forest health?

The conservation education (CE) program resides within the Outreach Division of CSFS and serves as education, information and outreach support for the agency and for Colorado's citizens. Overall, CE strives to assist our foresters, Colorado educators, students, homeowners, partners and interested citizens with educational resources and information to help improve and maintain healthy forests, and to reduce the risks of wildland fires.

To learn more about various programs and resources offered by CE, visit the Educators & Youth page or contact: Lisa Mason at: lisa.mason@colostate.edu, or Shawna Crocker at: scrocker@colostate.edu.

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How can I learn more about volunteering with the Colorado State Forest Service?

Volunteer Forest Stewards (VFS) is a group of volunteers dedicated to keeping Colorado forests healthy, clean and enjoyable for the surrounding communities. Volunteering with the VFS is a great way to spend time in your forests, help your community, and network with professionals in forestry and other volunteers. As a volunteer, you will be emailed about upcoming projects, but will not be locked into any time commitments.

To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit our Volunteer page.

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What is a Community Wildfire Protection Plan?

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) are authorized and defined in Title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) passed by Congress on November 21, 2003 and signed into law by President Bush on December 3, 2003.

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act places renewed emphasis on community planning by extending a variety of benefits to communities with a wildfire protection plan in place. Critical among these benefits is the option of establishing a localized definition and boundary for the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and the opportunity to help shape fuels treatment priorities for surrounding federal and non-federal lands.

The CWPP, as described in the Act, brings together diverse local interests to discuss their mutual concerns for public safety, community sustainability and natural resources. It offers a positive, solution-oriented environment in which to address challenges such as: local firefighting capability, the need for defensible space around homes and subdivisions, and where and how to prioritize land management on both federal and non-federal lands.

Learn more about Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

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Is it okay to bring firewood from another state when I camp in Colorado?

If you are going to be camping, please help protect the Colorado forests by buying local firewood near your destination campground. Firewood can spread harmful insect pests and diseases such as emerald ash borer, Sirex wood wasp, gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, and oak wilt disease.

If you bring firewood from another state, please burn it immediately. For more information visit Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS).

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