Wildfire season in Colorado mountain towns is no longer a distant possibility, it is something communities must actively prepare for. In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom to discuss wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, emergency communication systems, air quality concerns, and what residents can do right now to protect their homes, families, pets, and communities.

Andrea shares lessons learned from the Decker Fire, explains how emergency response systems work behind the scenes, and offers practical advice for creating evacuation plans, building a go kit, protecting older adults and vulnerable neighbors, and navigating disaster recovery after the immediate emergency is over.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone living in Colorado mountain communities, rural areas, or wildfire-prone regions.

In This Episode:

• Why wildfire preparedness matters now more than ever
• What Chaffee County is doing behind the scenes to prepare
• How the emergency response network actually works
• What to include in a wildfire go kit
• Why evacuation plans need backup plans
• The importance of Everbridge emergency alerts
• How wildfire smoke impacts mountain communities
• Mistakes people make during evacuations
• How neighbors can support vulnerable residents
• What disaster recovery looks like after reentry
• Why community resilience matters in mountain towns

Key Takeaway:

“The time to plan and prepare is not during a disaster.” — Andrea Carlstrom

Andrea Carlstrom has served as the Director of Chaffee County Public Health for more than a decade, overseeing programs focused on public health, emergency preparedness, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, aging well initiatives, and community resilience. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple healthcare settings including behavioral health, pharmacy, and hospital administration. Andrea has played a key leadership role in emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts throughout Chaffee County, including wildfire response, public health coordination, and community resilience planning.

Website: http://www.chaffeecounty.org

Link to Everbridge Emergency App: https://chaffeecounty.org/departments/sheriff/communications/e

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

What does it really take to develop property in a Colorado mountain town, and why do some projects succeed while others never get off the ground?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with longtime Salida resident, realtor, and developer Walt Harder to unpack the realities of real estate development in mountain communities.

With over 20 years of experience in both real estate and development, Walt shares what most people do not see behind the scenes, from navigating land use and zoning to identifying opportunities and managing risk.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level real estate talk and dives into how development actually works in places like Salida and across Colorado.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What real estate development looks like in mountain towns like Salida
• Why development projects are more complex than most people realize
• How zoning, land use, and local regulations impact what can be built
• What makes a property a strong development opportunity
• Why off-market properties can be some of the best opportunities
• The biggest risks and challenges developers face in Colorado

Ashley helps break down the legal and land use considerations involved in development. Jessica brings insight into how development connects to the local real estate market and community demand.

Walt brings decades of hands-on experience, offering a real-world perspective on what it takes to successfully navigate development in mountain communities.

Walt Harder is the owner and managing broker of Harder Real Estate and Development, LLC, and has been a Salida resident for over 20 years. Since moving to Salida in 2000, Walt has built a career that spans residential, commercial, industrial, and retail development across Colorado and beyond. With a deep understanding of both real estate and land development, he brings a unique perspective to identifying opportunities and navigating complex projects. Walt is also the owner of Timber Creek Ranch, reflecting his passion for land, space, and the Colorado lifestyle.

Links:
Website: http://hred.co
Facebook: Walt Harder, Harder Real Estate and Development

Subscribe for more conversations about real estate, law, and community in the Colorado Rockies.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

What happens when a community does not have enough senior housing, assisted living, or memory care options?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with local leaders Marilyn Bouldin and Andi Bruno to discuss the growing need for senior housing in Salida and across Colorado mountain towns.

As populations age and housing options remain limited, communities are facing difficult questions about how to support residents who want to stay but may not have the care options they need.

This conversation explores how real estate, healthcare, and community planning intersect, and why this issue impacts more than just seniors.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why senior housing and assisted living are critical in mountain communities
• The challenges of creating memory care and aging support locally
• What happens when residents are forced to leave their community for care
• How nonprofit efforts like Places to Age are working toward solutions
• Why this issue affects families, housing, and the broader community

Ashley helps connect the legal and planning considerations around housing and care facilities. Jessica brings insight into how housing limitations impact availability and demand in the local market.

Marilyn and Andi provide firsthand perspective on the needs within the community and the efforts underway to address them.

Marilyn Bouldin
Marilyn Bouldin is a retired registered nurse and former Director of Chaffee County Public Health. She has served on the board of Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center and is a cofounder of Chaffee County Women Who Care. Marilyn currently serves as Vice Chair of the board for Places to Age, a nonprofit focused on bringing assisted living and memory care to the community.

Links:
Website: http://www.placestoage.org
Facebook: Places to Age

Andi Bruno
Andi Bruno is a Colorado native and retired business owner with a background in Silicon Valley startups. She founded her own business in 2003 and successfully exited in 2014. Since returning to Colorado, she has been actively involved in community efforts and previously served as Chair of Places to Age, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding senior housing and care options in Chaffee County.

Links:
Website: http://www.placestoage.org

Subscribe for more conversations about real estate, law, and community in the Colorado Rockies.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/