Every summer in Colorado is different. Sure, they all start with the promise of time outdoors, picnics and barbecues, concerts under the stars, a little bit of time away from screens and deadlines. The good stuff.
But we know too well that in Colorado, summer also invariably comes with other “events” that aren’t so well planned. Wildfires. Drought. Damaging heat and storms. Invasive pests targeting trees and crops. All of these can complicate the warm-weather months in Colorado – and put Colorado State University’s mission as a land-grant university to the test.
CSU has a land-grant mission – unique in the state – to engage with communities statewide around critical economic and research issues that impact quality of life. “Engagement,” in this sense, means sharing and applying the knowledge and resources developed at CSU for fundamental public benefit. Much of this happens through the work of a small group of agencies that give CSU a presence in every Colorado county: Extension, the Agricultural Experiment Station network, and the Colorado State Forest Service.
Every part of CSU’s research and engagement mission comes into play when summer disasters occur.
Fire
Nearly half of all Coloradans live in wildland-urban interface areas that are at risk from wildfires. The Colorado State Forest Service, an agency of CSU, has 18 field offices and additional satellite offices around the state. These forest experts work year-round to improve the health and resiliency of Colorado forests through forest and timber management, fuels reduction, insect and disease detection, and more. They play an essential role in wildfire mitigation and education, such as preparing homeowners in high-risk areas on how best to protect their homes and be wildfire ready.
The CSFS makes up-to-the-minute information available on current Colorado wildfires and air quality, along with data and online tools for better understanding wildfire risk and spread around the state.
Drought
The high temperatures of the last few weeks in Colorado have brought drought to the forefront of many of our conversations. But CSU is monitoring the state’s drought conditions and impacts all year long. You can find a wealth of the latest drought information, emergency resources, and more from CSU and its partners – and from the Colorado Climate Center at CSU. CSU Extension is helping farmers and ranchers adapt to drought through the Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors program, which shares drought-planning resources and expertise through consultations and workshops.
Invasive pests
The Colorado State Forest Service, CSU Extension, and College of Agricultural Sciences all play a role in combating pests that can devastate trees and crops. In Colorado this summer, that includes the emerald ash borer, a beetle that’s killed millions of ash trees across North America since first detected in Michigan in 2002. It also includes tracking the latest outbreak and spread of mountain pine beetles that devastate Colorado forests and contribute to heightened wildfire risk.
Emergency planning and support
CSU Pueblo has partnered with emergency responders this summer to set up a base camp on campus for the nearly 2,000 people from 30 states fighting the Aspen Acres fire. The “Firefighter City” includes a supply depot where firefighters can replenish equipment and supplies, fueling stations, a base for communications and incident command, and places to sleep, shower, and eat for the crews that are working exhausting 16-hour days. With strong support from the local community, the campus has been proud to step up and support our front-line workers in a time of critical need.
In addition to stepping up in whatever ways we can during disasters, CSU Extension works year-round with county emergency managers and with other state agencies, including the Colorado Department of Agriculture, to prepare for emergencies that can disproportionately impact agriculture. In some counties, this work extends to running Community Animal Response Teams that rescue and evacuate pets and livestock during a disaster, and also coordinating care and support for evacuated animals.
Of course, CSU’s engagement mission isn’t only about battling these threats. It’s also about bringing education out to people and communities who can put it to work – and that’s some of the “good stuff” showcased every summer at county fairs around the state. I’ll talk more about those fairs, and why they matter, in my August newsletter. In the meantime, try to stay cool, stay hydrated, and step away from the screens for a bit. It’s Colorado in summer…we’re all lucky to be here.
– tony
Tony Frank, Chancellor
CSU System
This message was included in Chancellor Frank’s July 2026 newsletter. Subscribe to the Chancellor’s monthly letter.