The Elk Run neighborhood, situated across Highway 9 from the Summit Valley Horse Center, is a community of 32 small ranch properties. Neighbors partnered with Summit County, and Summit County Fire and EMS, and installed three water cisterns with a total water volume of 40,000 gallons. Considering our area drought conditions, the timing for this project could not be better.

If a structure or wildfire erupts, the cisterns will provide first responders with accessible water to fight fire. This water is available to fight fires in the Blue River Valley, not just the Elk Run neighborhood.

Homeowners applied to the Wildfire Prevention Grant Program. Since 2006, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), through the Summit County Wildfire Council (SCWC), has provided matching grants to homeowner groups to conduct wildfire prevention & community protection projects. The grant program assists property owners and their neighbors with actual project costs. These grants are awarded annually. The grants can be up to 90% of project cost. Homeowners pay project expenses upfront. The county reimburses paid invoices. Does your neighborhood need a cistern? Apply!