The starting point
Denver Water’s CEO asked how private funding might help address Colorado’s wildfire challenge. The investigation showed that private contributions alone would not resolve the delivery gap.
The broader response
Working through Keystone Policy Center, with support from Denver Water, Northern Water, and the Walton Family Foundation, NetEarth helped bring a broader coalition together. The work considered a wider base of payors and the role of the forestry industry in delivery and cost reduction.
Progress
The effort advanced a forest restoration economy roadmap and demonstration work in Aspen and Frisco. It also supported discussion of public funding approaches. These are steps toward a more workable system, rather than a claim that the restoration challenge is solved.
What it illustrates
The original funding question changed when the delivery system came into view. Money, workforce, incentives, and operating capacity must develop together.