Drought & Fire Resources

Drought Resources

Ask your landscape professional if they are certified in ColoradoScaping or Sustainable Landscape Management — it makes a big difference during drought!

Featured Articles

• • What is ColoradoScaping?
  Learn how to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes using native and water-wise plants.
• • Drought Updates and Resources: Join the conversation! A message from John McMahon, CEO of ALCC
  Official call-to-action from ALCC CEO with important drought updates and resources for members.
• • THE MOST UP TO DATE DROUGHT RESOURCES FOR COLORADO
  Curated roundup of the latest drought tools, reports, and guidance available right now.
• • Stage 1 Drought Declared by Denver Water
  What Stage 1 drought means for your landscape, watering rules, and next steps.
• • Clarifications from Denver Water for ALCC member questions
  Straight answers to the most common questions ALCC members are asking about current restrictions.
• • Denver Board of Water Commissioners approved temporary drought pricing
  Details on the new temporary pricing structure and how it affects customers.
• • Leading Through Colorado’s Drought: ALCC Board Member Nicole Stone Shares Timely Strategies
  Practical strategies from industry leader Nicole Stone to help you navigate the current drought.
• • Denver Board of Water Commissioners' Resolution for Stage 1 Drought Declaration
  Official resolution document declaring Stage 1 drought in the Denver Water service area.
• • Broomfield Water Use Restriction Update - Addressing Challenges Presented by Ongoing Drought Conditions
  Latest water-use restrictions and guidance specific to Broomfield.
• • ALCC Member Ellen Becker on NBC 9 NEWS: How Colorado’s Dry & Warm Winter Affects Your Garden
  Expert insights on how this winter’s conditions are impacting gardens and what to do next.
• • Ways to Reduce Water Use for Landscape Professionals
  Practical water-saving techniques and best practices for landscape professionals.
• • Colorado’s Dry Year: DRIP Provides Critical Drought Response Resources for the Western Slope and Across the State
  How DRIP is delivering drought-response support statewide, with focus on the Western Slope.
• • Conserving Water Across the Front Range
  Region-wide water conservation tips and success stories from the Front Range.

Reports

• • Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force Report
  Key findings and recommendations from the 2024 Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force.

ALCC Programs & Certifications Promoting Drought Resistance

• ColoradoScaping Certification

  This program focuses on drought-tolerant plant selection, efficient irrigation design, soil health improvements, and sustainable practices tailored specifically to Colorado's unique environment and water challenges.

  Learn more here!
• Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) Certification

  Emphasizes long-term water conservation, integrated pest and weed management, soil stewardship, and drought-resilient strategies for professional landscapers and managers.

  Learn more here!

Fire Resources

Wildfires are inextricably linked to drought. Below are comprehensive resources to help residents and landscape professionals understand fire risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

The ColoradoScaping Certification also includes a comprehensive Fire Mitigation Module designed to help create landscapes that reduce wildfire risk while conserving water.

Learn more about ColoradoScaping Certification →

• • Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control
  Fire management strategy and oversight across Colorado, providing information on fire bans, current incidents, and public education programs.
• • Colorado Wildfire Defense
  What Colorado’s New Wildfire Resiliency Code Means for Your Home or Property
• • Colorado United – Governor’s Wildfire Resources
  The Governor’s official portal for wildfire recovery and preparedness resources, linking various state agencies in one location.
• • Colorado State Forest Service – Wildfire Mitigation
  Take action to prepare your home and community for wildfire.
• • Colorado State Forest Service – Wildfire Risk Viewer (Interactive Map)
  Type in an address to see the professional wildfire risk rating for that specific area.
• • CO TRIP (Colorado Department of Transportation)
  Essential travel resource for monitoring road closures and evacuation routes during active wildfire seasons.

Community & Preparedness Tools

• • LiveWildfireReady.org
  Collaborative state-sponsored campaign with a simple, actionable checklist to prepare your home and family for evacuation.
• • Firewise USA
  Find if your community is a Firewise Site (often unlocks local grants or assistance for debris removal).