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The Colorado Army National Guard will be conducting live bucket operations with multiple helicopters out of the Ralph Price Reservoir with direction from ground resources on simulated fire perimeters in typical terrain in the Button Rock Preserve.

The objective of this training allows for more efficient and cohesive response between agencies for Colorado wildfires. A qualified instructor will be on the ground to coach trainees on proper air to ground communication procedures as well as proper standard target description techniques.

• The training exercises will consist of military aircraft and ground-based firefighters
• The exercise allows for communications practice from air to ground and for the delivery of water to simulated fire zones
• Aircraft will land to attach water buckets, fly to an altitude of between 500-1,500 feet above ground level, retrieve water from Ralph Price Reservoir, and then deliver water to drop sites identified by ground-based firefighters
• The following Button Rock trails will be closed from April 12 – 18 for your protection. Please respect the closure signs:
  • Professor’s Ranch Trail
  • South Cove Trail
  • South end of Button Rock Dam
  • North Shore Trail
  • Areas of Button Rock Preserve accessed from Coulson Gulch Trail (#916)
• Areas adjacent to Ralph Price Reservoir may experience high wind and noise levels during the training exercises
• Areas adjacent to Longmont’s Vance Brand Airport may notice increased aircraft activity, as the aircraft will use the airport as a staging area during the training exercises

Planned Dates and Times for National Guard Training Operations at Ralph Price Reservoir and Vance Brand Airport

Be prepared for extra activity in the preserve during the dates and times listed below:

• April 13 – 14: 8 am – 5 pm
• April 16 – 18: 8 am – 5 pm

The National Guard is coordinating this training with City of Longmont staff to ensure safety to visitors, wildlife and the environment within Button Rock Preserve. Although this training will create a level of disturbance for visitors, it is a valuable opportunity for wildland firefighters to gain familiarity with Button Rock Preserve should a fire ever threaten the area, in addition to building skills for use across the state of Colorado.

Click here to view the press release from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control