Colorado Ranchers Face $27M in Wildfire Losses, Recovery Aid on Hold
Colorado ranchers, including Janie VanWinkle, face significant losses following this summer's wildfires. The United States estimates damages at over $27 million, with VanWinkle alone losing about seven miles of fencing. Monsoon rains exacerbated the situation, causing flash floods and further destruction.
Five major wildfires scorched an area nearly the size of Atlanta, with 60% of VanWinkle's leased United States Forest Service land burned. She had to evacuate her 1,500 cows and calves from the Uncompahgre Plateau. Fencing losses are substantial, with a mile of four-strand barb wire fence costing around $20,000.
Recovery efforts are underway, but aid programs are on hold due to the federal government's shutdown. Affected ranchers may need to apply to multiple state and federal agencies, depending on their property's ownership and use. Key organizations like the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Colorado Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local Colorado Extension offices are expected to provide financial assistance.
FEMA covered 75% of Colorado's firefighting costs, but more federal aid is needed for recovery. VanWinkle estimates she lost about seven miles of fencing and expects the United States Department of Agriculture to help with new fencing materials and labor. The state's total estimated losses in Rio Blanco County alone amount to over $27 million, highlighting the urgent need for recovery assistance.
