Press Releases

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) today introduced H.R. 643, the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District Land Exchange Act, which would facilitate a fair exchange of lands on the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest between the US Forest Service and the Sugar Loaf Fire District.  The bill, which Polis first introduced in 2009, passed the House last July, but failed to move in the Senate before the end of the 111th Congress.  Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) have also re-introduced companion legislation in the Senate for the new Congress.

"The Fourmile Canyon fire last fall was an all too close reminder that wildfire is a dangerous and constant concern for our area,” said Polis.  “That’s why it’s essential we provide our fire districts with the tools they need to serve our communities, and it’s about time we get this done.  Hopefully, with the combined efforts of Senators Udall and Bennet, we can finally pass this legislation this Congress to ensure that the Sugar Loaf Fire District can continue to protect Boulder County residents for years to come.”

For over 40 years, the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District has provided the foothills above Boulder with emergency response services, with this volunteer force being first on the scene to everything from wildfires to car accidents. In recent years their facilities have served both as a home base of operations as well as a community center and polling location. However, because their buildings are located on public lands, the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District has been unable to install a number of basic necessities—including running water and restroom facilities—making work difficult and community events uncomfortable.  

Polis’ legislation will facilitate the exchange of 5.17 acres of private land owned by the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District within National Forest boundaries in return for the approximately 5.08 acres of U.S. Forest Service land, on which two Sugar Loaf Fire District stations are located. This exchange will allow the Sugar Loaf Fire District to maintain and upgrade the two fire stations serving Sugar Loaf and the other nearby growing communities.