Douglas County will soon become home to the nation’s first county-operated biochar facility, an achievement that places our community at the leading edge of wildfire mitigation technology. This bold initiative continues to attract attention across the region as partners step forward to support the County’s innovative approach.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material created by heating woody plant waste in a low-oxygen environment. The process transforms fire-prone vegetation into a valuable resource that improves soil health, filters contaminants, and reduces water use in agriculture and gardening.
In December, the Board voted to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Aurora and Douglas County to support the development and operation of the County’s future regional biochar and waste diversion site. Under the terms of the IGA, Aurora Water will contribute $100,000 toward the establishment of the facility. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to wildfire mitigation, watershed protection, and sustainable land management.
“Douglas County is proud to lead the nation with the first county-operated biochar facility, a milestone that reflects our commitment to innovation in wildfire mitigation and land stewardship,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon, Founder and Chair of the Douglas County Wildfire Action Collaborative. “This partnership with the City of Aurora demonstrates how regional collaboration can produce meaningful, lasting benefits for our residents and our natural environment.”…