Big Thompson Canyon Community Information

04/08/2026

Bark Beetle Outbreak

The front range is seeing an intensifying outbreak of the mountain pine beetle. Very high activity is expected in the next few months.

The beetles will migrate earlier this year due to warmer weather. Treatments should be applied earlier than typically suggested

The most cost effective and environmentally safe option is Verbenone pouches, one stapled to the north side of each high value tree, placed 10 ft above the ground. Packets can be purchased for less than $9 each. Verbenone packets emit pheremones that signal to beetles searching for new trees to infest that the tree is already full of beetles, so they go searching elsewhere.

Once infected, trees cannot be saved. They should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.

Helpful links:
FAQ page from Colorado State
https://csfs.colostate.edu/forest-management/common-forest-insects-diseases/mountain-pine-beetle/resources/

One of several online sites for purchasing, and usage directions:
https://www.forestrydistributing.com/verbenone-588gm-and-784gm-xr-extended-release-pouch-synergy-shield-beetle-repellent-synergy-semiochemicals

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pine_beetle

08/27/2022

On August 27th, 2022, from 9:00am - 11:00am, Big Thompson Watershed Coalition (BTWC) alongside Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) and Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative will be hosting a community meeting for Waltonia residents at Loveland Fire Station 8 (1461 HWY 34 Drake, CO) to discuss and collaborate on upcoming wildfire risk reduction projects that BTWC and partners have secured funding for. We invite all who would like to learn about these initiatives to attend the meeting and provide feedback as community input will be crucial in deciding where these projects take place.

The meeting will be two hours long, interactive, and refreshments will be provided. We will have subject matter experts from BTWC, LFRA, and The Ember Alliance to discuss wildfire risk in the community, actions landowners can take to better establish defensible spaces around their homes, and wildfire mitigation and planning projects that are in the works for the coming year.

Please join us for this community meeting to learn more and ensure you are part of the decision-making process!

Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc.

08/17/2022

are inevitable. Their threat is growing. NFPA’s free online empowers proactive action. Lessen destruction today. http://nfpa.social/lQvi50Kfih5

07/23/2022

Heads up for potential flooding this weekend

The National Weather Service has indicated there is an Elevated Flood Threat Saturday afternoon and Sunday all day in the Cameron Peak Burn Scar. Sunday has the greatest risk for storms capable of producing an inch of rain in 30 minutes or less. If you live or are planning recreation in the area of the burn scar, please use caution and stay aware. For information about flood after fire visit: www.weather.gov/bou/floodafterfire. To receive text messages for flood warning alerts, text the word FLOOD2022 to 888777.

06/14/2022

06/05/2022

The 52nd annual Big Thompson Canyon Association Pancake Breakfast and Craft Show kicks off in 30 minutes! Come in and say hi!

04/29/2022

The Loveland Rural Fire Protection District is holding an election for 3 board members on Tuesday, May 3rd.

Voting is in person only, 7am-7pm.

Polling locations:
LFRA Station 2, 3070 W. 29th St.;
LFRA Station 7, 2629 N. County Road 27;
Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority Building, 4872 Endeavor Drive Suite 200 in Johnstown;
LRFPD Business Office in the Pinnacle Consulting Group, 550 W. Eisenhower Blvd.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 3. Rural district voters can enter their votes at one of four locations: LFRA Station 2, 3070 W. 29th St.; LFRA Station 7, 2629 N. County Road 27; Larim…

03/08/2022

Please join us in celebrating Dave Legits and his incredible 44 years of service to our community as a volunteer firefighter! This event is open to the public.

02/08/2022

Update: Additional piles being burned today 2/10/22. Crews are working their way east thru the treatment area

The USFS may resume burning slash piles north of Drake, south of the Storm Mountain neighborhood today. These piles are north of the Palisade Mountain Ridge line, bordering the residential areas of Storm Mountain. Conditions remain favorable for burning, with good snow coverage in the treatment area.

02/05/2022

The USFS is currently burning slash piles north of Drake, south of the Storm Mountain neighborhood. These piles are north of the Palisade Mountain Ridge line, bordering the residential areas of Storm Mountain. Good snow coverage currently on the ground will prevent any unwanted spread.

12/15/2021

Very high fire danger, and damaging winds forecast today. Please avoid any outdoor burning, or anything that can cause a spark. National forest lands in our are remain under Stage 1 Fire Restriction.

Damaging Winds Wednesday! Broken tree limbs, scattered power outages, property damage, very high fire danger, hazardous travel/poor visibility in blowing dust.

Good day to hunker down and avoid any outdoor activity!

More info athttps://weather.gov/media/bou/DssPacket.pdf