The wildfire season has started in Colorado, and this week, strong winds and dry conditions continue to pose a critical wildfire risk to many communities along the Front Range. It is important to note that living in this region comes with certain inherent risks. Our natural climate is typically dry, with low humidity, infrequent precipitation, and often windy.

To address these challenges, fire mitigation became a central theme during the development of our community, taking into account our climate conditions and implementing various measures to help keep us all safe. Here are some of the ways Sterling Ranch was designed to minimize fire risk:

Rotational Cattle Grazing

Cattle grazing on vegetation in our backyard is dramatically reducing potential fire fuel and preserving the land for future generations. We have 179 new calves, who, with their moms, are contributing to fire mitigation. Check out the story featured on CBS Colorado this week, "Cattle in new Colorado community, Sterling Ranch, protects residents from fires and preserves the land."

Vegetation Management

Adjacent to the developed areas, we employ several practices to maintain vegetation health and prevent overgrowth. These practices include:

• Mow Strips: along single-family lots, trails and roadways, we established mow strips. These cleared areas act as firebreaks, reducing the risk of flames reaching structures.
• Regular Inspections: our team inspects vegetation health regularly. Prompt action is taken if any hazardous conditions are identified.
• Power Lines: Sterling Ranch has an agreement with Xcel Energy to mow the areas under the powerlines, owned by Xcel, in mid-summer and mid-fall.

Engineering and Design

• Sensible Landscape Design: we prioritize landscape designs that minimize fire risk adjacent to developed areas. This includes limiting certain types of grasses, shrubs, and trees. By carefully planning our green spaces, we create a buffer zone that reduces the likelihood of fire spreading to inhabited areas.
• Design: housing tracks and road patterns are situated to create pockets reducing a fire's ability to spread. There are very few cul-de-sacs, and the ones we have are short and straight.
• Road Structure: our open road structure facilitates traffic and permits greater access for emergency workers.
• Emergency Access and Fire Breaks: the proposed and existing regional trail network serves dual purposes - emergency access routes and fire breaks. These designated trails allow swift response during emergencies and create natural firebreaks.
• Appropriate Building Materials: when constructing fences in developed areas, we select materials that do not increase fire risk. Fire-resistant materials are preferred to enhance safety. We also choose materials for structures and exterior decks that minimize fire risk. Our guidelines ensure that construction materials meet safety standards and do not contribute to fire propagation.
• Homebuilders: all builders at Sterling Ranch meet or exceed fire rating standards on all homes and buildings.
• Water Treatment Plant: can store up to 3.4 million gallons of water, ensuring plenty of high-pressure water to fight fire should the need arise.

Collaboration with Heavy Equipment Operators

As a developing community, we have established arrangements with heavy equipment operators. In the event of a wildfire, they can assist in creating firestops by clearing vegetation and creating defensible zones. Having heavy equipment accessible reduces response times.

Our Ideal Location

• We are close to Chatfield Reservoir, which provides even more access to water.
• We are located in between two fire stations, South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) 19 and 40. Station 40, located near Titan Parkway and US 85, has equipment specially designed for urban interface fires. Station 19, located near Trailmark Parkway and S. Wadsworth Boulevard, has wildland apparatus.
• Sterling Ranch is also rated IS01 with South Metro Fire Rescue.

Evacuation Site

In the event of an emergency, the Sterling Center is a prime location for an evacuation site due to its potentially life-saving amenities including food, water, healthcare, shelter, warmth and more.

Community Exit Routes

Sterling Ranch has three main exits onto Titan Road. Waterton Road provides two additional exits at Moore Road and Rampart Range Road

Douglas County Wildfire Action Collaborative (DCWAC)

Sterling Ranch fully complies with the Douglas County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The CAB has Landscape and Fire Risk Management Guidelines that we follow for increased fire protection. In fact, Sterling Ranch is specifically excluded from Douglas County's Wildfire Hazard Overlay District because of all our planning and proactive measures in place.

What You Can Do

The CAB will continue to prioritize fire mitigation across the community by proactively designing and implementing proactive fire mitigation strategies. Residents can send the Fire Risk Management Letter and Wildfire Overlay Map to their insurance providers. You can also review these resources for additional tips on how to keep your home safe.

Designing a Fire-Safe Garden

Landscape Design for Wildfire Protection

Protecting Your Home from Wildfire

It's hard to believe that summer is almost here, and the Overlook pool will open on Saturday, May 25th. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the opening.

Membership Card Requirement

• Homeowners must present their individual membership cards at the front desk to access the outdoor pool.
• You can present your card physically or digitally using an app like "Key Ring" or a picture of your card.

Scanning Process

• Upon arrival, present your membership card for scanning at the front desk. Each household member will need their own card to gain access.
• For digital versions (app or photo), ensure your card is easily accessible for seamless scanning.

Forgotten or Lost Membership Cards

In the event you forget your membership card, we have established the following solutions:

• Option 1 - Retrieve your card: locate your card and bring it back for access.
• Option 2 - Purchase a replacement card: if you cannot find your card, obtain a replacement card at the Overlook Front Desk for $5 per lost card.

Please follow these guidelines to ensure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable pool experience. Check out the website for more information about using the pool. For further details on how to register for the 'Back to the Pool' opening celebration, click here.

Happy gardening! Spring has finally sprung, but the May weather is so unpredictable that there are three gardening seasons in the span of 31 days. Make the most of this unsettled weather by dividing the month into thirds. Plan for planting in early May, the middle of May, and the end of May. Here are some May gardening tips:

• Start planting after May 15, usually the last official frost date.
• Evaluate your irrigation system.
• Prepare your soil with fertilizer and compost.
• Clean planters and containers with soap, water, and a stiff brush.
• Fill containers and window boxes with your favorite annual flowers.
• Feature drought-tolerant, Native plants adapted to our local climate and soil.
• Keep evergreens in check by pinching off new growth as soon as it appears.

Here is the update on warranty work that will be taking place this coming week, from May 13 to May 17:

• Richmond’s contractor, Loya Construction, continues to remove and replace sidewalks and curb/gutter at various locations along Yampa River Avenue, Fraser River Street, and Rio Blanco Street. (Blue areas on the map)
• MLL, Inc. will begin removing and replacing sidewalks and curb/gutter at various locations along Eagle River Street between Yampa River Avenue and Sterling Ranch Avenue starting this Monday, May 13. (Pink areas on the map)
• Fiore and Sons will begin removing and replacing sidewalks and curb/gutter at various locations along Middle Fork Street south of Sterling Ranch Avenue, re-scheduled to start this Monday, May 13. (Green areas on the map)

The map above highlights the general work locations for each contractor. 

Meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on meetings, see the Community Calendar.

• Sterling Ranch CAB Board of Directors - Quarterly Evening Meeting, Monday, May 13, 6:00 pm, Sterling Center
• Design Advisory Committee, Tuesday, May 14, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Overlook Clubhouse
• Design Review Committee, Thursday, May 16, 9:00 am - 11:00 am, Overlook Clubhouse
• Metropolitan District Nos. 1, 4-7, Subdistrict 4-4D and Subdistrict 7A-7C Board Meeting, Friday, May 17, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Overlook Clubhouse. Join the virtual meeting here.
• Sterling Ranch CAB Board of Directors, Friday, May 17, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Overlook Clubhouse. Join the virtual meeting here.
• Landscaping Class, Tuesday, May 21, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Overlook Clubhouse. Register here.
• Sterling Ranch Metropolitan District No. 2, Wednesday, May 22, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Overlook Clubhouse. Join the virtual meeting here. (canceled)
• Design Advisory Meeting, Tuesday, May 28, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Overlook Clubhouse
• Design Review Committee, Thursday, May 30, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm,, Overlook Clubhouse

Check out this week's events and activities in our weekly Ranch Life e-newsletter.

• Metro district works to bring trees back: It's almost been one year since the tornado struck Highlands Ranch, taking hundreds of trees with it. Volunteers recently helped replant trees at Big Dry Creek Park. Read more here.
• High school students look to help drivers avert collisions with wildlife: Although they may not have their licenses yet, four young STEM School Highlands Ranch students designed an infrared device that can detect wildlife through heat detection and alert drivers. Learn more here.

Colorado Community Media

• Sterling Ranch is a proud Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (NWSCO) member. We partner with the Chamber to connect us with local businesses, provide advocacy support, and keep us at the forefront of business development. Check out the Chamber's website and event calendar.

THIS WEEK'S CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: MAY 12 - 19

C-470 and US 85 Interchange Reconstruction

Crews continue to perform underground foundation operations on the eastern portion of the new bridge over C-470. Daily lane closures on the C-470 on- and off-ramps will continue to be implemented to allow crews to safely perform bridge construction.

New US 85 Roadway Paving 

Paving operations are underway along US 85. Crews will work through the summer to remove the existing roadway and pave new asphalt in open work areas. 

Daily impacts:

• Single lane closures on northbound and southbound US 85 and on the C-470 ramps at US 85 from Monday, May 13, through Sunday, May 19, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, throughout the corridor.

As a reminder, pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted in the work zone. Please heed the closure signage and follow signed detours to safely cross US 85 along the trails. For more detailed information, please visit the Douglas County Public Works Department website. 

Help keep the construction zone safe:

Please give yourself extra time and pay attention to posted speed limits and signage. If weather conditions do not allow this work to take place as originally scheduled, crews will conduct this work at a later date. Avoid road closure frustrations and plan your drive in advance by signing up for US 85 construction alerts using this link.