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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
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Title: |
Mariposa County, CA -- Fire Safe Council
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Type: |
Homeowner assistance
Fuelbreaks
Education
Designation of high risk areas
Demonstration projects
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Jurisdiction: |
County
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State: |
California
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Program Description: |
Background
The Mariposa Fire Safe Council is a part of the larger California Fire Safe Council network. As such it brings together a variety of stakeholders from throughout the County. The Council attempts to remain a "grassroots" organization of homeowner associations, Fire Departments, and local businesses -- while also being able to work effectively with other groups and agencies including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CDF) and the U.S. Forest Service.
Collaboration and Planning
With BLM grant funding, the Council has hired a part-time coordinator to design and implement an organizational work plan, oversee community outreach and demonstration projects, assist in securing non-profit status, and to write grants.
The Council participates in a variety of cooperative efforts with other groups. For example, the Council is a "cooperating organization" and sits on the technical advisory board of the "Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Area". This larger association received a $90,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service to study the "feasibility, cost analysis, long-term strategy, and new markets for hazard reduction materials from the Sierra National Forest and eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties."
Fuels Reduction
The Maripose Fire Safe Council performs an important role of coordination of activities for fuel reduction within the County. For example, the Council has organized chipping projects for area residents, developed a risk assessment study entitled, "Ponderosa Basin Risk Survey Report", and maintained an information table at County Fairs.
Grants from BLM have facilitated the creation of a 95-acre shaded fuel break in Greeley Hill, an area on the north side of the county. Fuel teatment methods in this area have included mechanical treatments for heavy thinning and mastication of brush,manzanita, and small trees. Around homes, crews have cleared by hand. The BLM is also concurrently clearing their land which is adjacent to private property in Greeley Hill.
Funding for another project, an 80-acre shaded fuel break on Portugues Ridge, has been awarded by USFS. Treatments planned are similar to the those used in the Greeley Hills project.
The Council has also hired a local crew to remove fuels around homes of low income and/or senior citizens and disabled residents using Title III monies proivided by the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors. The crew has spent about two days in each of 22 major communities in very rural and mountainous areas of the county -- thinning and chipping over 100 tons of fuel. The crews also assist property owners by chipping the fuels cut by the homeowner and/or piling slash on the roadsides. Chips are left for the community to use. This project will be nderway through Fall 2005.
Contact Information
For more information about the Mariposa Fire Safe Council, please contact:
Mariposa County
Jan Hamilton
6654 Jerseydale Road
Mariposa, Ca 95338
Phone: (209)966-2387
Email: [email protected]
You can also visit the California Fire Safe Council website for more information.
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