3 months since wildfire for Flying W Ranch

The staff of the Flying W Ranch still hopes to rebuild after the Waldo Canyon fire, but significant challenges remain.

Among them, preventing future erosion from surrounding hillsides and safely removing debris that likely contains some amounts of asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Experts and volunteers have been digging trenches and filling them with fallen trees to hold back water and sediment, and prevent floods and mudslides. However, only 2 percent of the work has been done, said ranch spokesman Aaron Winter.

Meanwhile, a local company has started a month-long effort to remove debris. Winter said he hopes a rebuilding plan can proceed after that.

“With 10 being rebuilding, and 1 that we’re not, I think we’re right around a 5 or 6,” he said.

The ranch still needs donations of money, materials and labor to continue the recovery process. Contact the ranch if you’d like to help.