Dynamic Planning + Science led the 2018 update of Montrose County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), supporting county agencies, fire protection districts, and municipalities in identifying strategies to reduce risk from natural hazards. This comprehensive update integrated modern geospatial analysis and robust public engagement to strengthen the region’s resilience across a broad, rural area encompassing multiple jurisdictions.
GIS was at the core of the risk assessment process. Dynamic Planning + Science compiled, validated, and analyzed hazard-specific spatial data to calculate exposure of population, parcels, and critical infrastructure to hazards such as wildfire, flood, drought, and geohazards. This spatially driven approach helped local officials prioritize hazard mitigation actions using clear visual comparisons of risk and asset vulnerability. Tools such as Hazus and GIS overlays provided a common operating picture across jurisdictions and enabled scenario-based planning for “worst-case” hazard events.
In tandem with technical work, the plan emphasized stakeholder coordination and public involvement. A county-wide planning partnership—including cities, towns, and fire protection districts—collaboratively developed goals, strategies, and actionable mitigation projects. A public-facing website hosted project documents, risk visualizations, and feedback forms to ensure transparency and foster community input. The final plan satisfies FEMA requirements for hazard mitigation planning, securing continued access to federal grants and enabling all participating jurisdictions to pursue cost-effective resilience investments.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Plan: Covered Montrose County, 4 municipalities, and 4 fire protection districts
- Spatial Risk Analysis: Used GIS to overlay hazard extents with asset and population data to prioritize mitigation by exposure
- Hazards Assessed: Wildfire, flood, geohazard, drought, severe weather, pandemic disease, and mining-related disasters
- Geospatial Tools: Implemented Hazus loss estimation and geospatial overlays to quantify “worst-case” exposure scenarios
- Vulnerability Summary: Developed visual comparisons of population, infrastructure, and parcels within high-risk zones
- Public Involvement: Launched an interactive website and hosted stakeholder meetings to engage residents and partners
- Updated Mitigation Strategies: Focused on actionable, locally implementable projects with and without grant dependencies
- Planning Partnership: Included towns of Montrose, Olathe, Nucla, and Naturita, plus all major fire districts
- FEMA-Compliant Update: Fulfilled all DMA 2000 and 44 CFR §201.6 requirements, enabling continued grant eligibility
- Interagency Coordination: Fostered cooperation between jurisdictions for shared funding and implementation pathways
