To the uninitiated, it might seem unusual that a Colorado Springs Utilities employee won Partner of the Year, awarded by the Colorado State Forest Service. But Eric Howellâs dual titles of forest program manager for the Watershed Planning Section, and deputy administrator of the Colorado Springs Utilities Catamount Wildland Fire Team reflect CSUâs broad footprint in the state.Â
Itâs a mammoth effort to protect water sources from fire; Howell oversees a $1.5 million annual budget dedicated to ensuring forest health in the CSU watershed. The legal responsibilities that have come home to roost for Pacific Gas & Electric after it caused deadly fires in California demonstrate the dangers of a utility company mismanaging fire prevention and suppression.Â
To the uninitiated, it might seem unusual that a Colorado Springs Utilities employee won Partner of the Year, awarded by the Colorado State Forest Service. But Eric Howellâs dual titles of forest program manager for the Watershed Planning Section, and deputy administrator of the Colorado Springs Utilities Catamount Wildland Fire Team reflect CSUâs broad footprint in the state.Â
Itâs a mammoth effort to protect water sources from fire; Howell oversees a $1.5 million annual budget dedicated to ensuring forest health in the CSU watershed. The legal responsibilities that have come home to roost for Pacific Gas & Electric after it caused deadly fires in California demonstrate the dangers of a utility company mismanaging fire prevention and suppression.Â