Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Update on FireScape Mendocino, Workshop #6, June 10-11, 2015

James Russ, President of Round Valley Indian Tribes Tribal Council, Explains
Recent Fuel Break Project near Covelo
Photo: Don Amador

More than fifty participants met in the 100-degree heat of Covelo, CA to learn and deepen collaborative relationships with various stakeholders including the Round Valley Indian Tribes (RVIT) and other members of this beautiful community.  The FireScape leadership team thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Round Valley area and looks forward to visiting there again! 

Gary Urdahl, Silviculturist for the Covelo Ranger District, Mendocino NF 
Explains Impacts of 2012 North Pass Fire - Photo: Don Amador

The workshop kicked off with a field trip to a RVIT fuels treatment project, where we learned about a recent fuel break project designed to help protect the community in the event of wildfire.  FireScape applauds the work they’ve done and wish them much success with additional projects and looks forward to the possibility of partnering with them in the future.

Group Discussion at Field Tour Site - Photo: Don Amador

After visiting the RVIT project, we moved on to visit areas of the 2012 North Pass Fire on the Mendocino National Forest.  It was interesting to see and discuss the effects of the fire and learn more about the impact this fire has had both the local community and the Forest. 

Recreation Trail Still Closed from North Pass Fire Blowdown - Photo: Don Amador


An unusual lightning storm system hit the region and started over 20 wildfires on the Mendocino, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. Those ignitions lent an increased import to our field trip of the North Pass Fire, which burned over 41,000 acres.  Those events created a strong resolve within the group to work together in our efforts to shape the future of our fire-prone landscape. 

BIA Fire Staff Joined Field Trip - Photo: Don Amador

Classroom work on the following day included time for planning “next steps” for the following subgroups:  Air Quality, Creating Fire Ready Communities, Landscape-scale Vegetation Management, Tribal Engagement, and Fire/Recreation.  Lists of ideas on “what makes a good project” and a brainstorming session of potential projects (complete with marking locations on maps) made for a productive day.

Core-team Lead, Chad Roberts, Discusses Forest Management with Group
Photo; Don Amador

The FireScape Mendocino Core Team will meet soon to compile the classroom product, including submission of a list of potential projects, and bring it back to the group’s participants at our next workshop.  Stay tuned!

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