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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,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
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Title: |
San Bernardino, CA -- NFA Forest Care Program
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Type: |
Homeowner assistance
Education
Demonstration projects
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Jurisdiction: |
County
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State: |
California
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Program Description: |
Background
The San Bernardino National Forest is the most urban and heavily utilized National Forest in the system, due in part to it's proximity to Los Angeles. The Forest is within a four hour's drive of nearly 30 million people.
The wildfire risk is severe. Many factors contribute to this, including extreme fuel loading in the local forest communities, a forest type maintained by fire (Ponderosa pine/Jeffrey pine) and the presence of chaparral and hot burning grasses on the lower slopes. Santa Ana winds contribute as well.
Many of the landowners in the areas are second homeowners, but there are also a number of established communities including Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Mt. Baldy, and Wrightwood.
Program Funding and Administration
Forest Care was officially begun in June 2006. The program is funded for two years through a cooperative grant of the USDA Forest Service delivered by the San Bernardino National Forest Association and the California Department of Forestry and Forest Protection.
Rationale for program
State and local regulations require vegetative clearance of property within 100 feet of structures to reduce fire hazard. Many of the homesites in the San Bernardino Mountains area have more than 400 to 500 trees per acre. To reduce wildfire risk, these sites should be thinned to 50 to 150 mature trees per acre; the stocking level they would attain under natural conditions. The Forest Care program assists homeowners in meeting standards and could reduce insurance costs.
Program features
Forest Care provides outreach to landowners in the Southern California Mountains regarding forest health, fire ecology, and fire safety issues. The program also provides homeowners assistance in thinning trees, removing brush, and other defensible space measures.
High-risk private holding within the boundaries of the San Bernardino National Forest are being targeted first. These residents are being given priority in participating in the program. Local Fire Districts and Fire Safe Councils are assisting in identifying these high-risk residents.
Direct mailings are used to invite landowners to participate -- offering them a free visit from aa free consultation with a professional forester to assess the health and safety of their property. Although the program is new and landowner contact is just being established, 30 residents have scheduled visits with Forest Care representatives and 50 more are in the queue.
Educational materials
Forest Cares uses promotional brochures, a variety of tip sheets, and informational handouts in their outreach efforts. Materials are distributed through direct mail and community-placed flyers, community events, and a recently created website, The National Forest Association, Forest Care (www.sbnfa.com/forestcare.php). Media and press coverage is also used to reach homeowners.
Forest Care representatives visit special interest and community groups to present wildfire protection topics. Participating landowners will also receive specially-created packets of information and follow up newsletters.
Demonstration area
Forest Care conducted a demonstration project on a Lake Arrowhead property to illustrate the �Before� and �After� effects of participating in the program. The demonstration showed that thinning for forest health and fire safety can still offer a wooded atmosphere that many residents love while providing habitat to many local species.
Fuels management planning and treatments
Forest Care targets the thinning of live trees less than 12 inches in diameter and brush removal. Pruning the remaining trees to specified standards is also covered under the program.
Landowners receive a customized Forest Care plan describing vegetation to be removed under the program. The plan is written by a professional forester; however, participation by the landowner is encouraged. Once landowners have their Forest Care plan, they can either conduct the thinning themselves or hire a contractor to do the work. Landowners submit the appropriate invoices for reimbursement of 75% of the cost of thinning or to a designated cap.
Contact information
For more information contact:
Shawna Meyer
Forest Care Director
San Bernardino National Forest Association
909/382-2697
EMAIL: [email protected]
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