Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Post FireScape Mendocino Workshop Report - March 2017

FS Staff Give Overview of Recent Fuel Reduction Project

Fifty-eight people from 17 organizations got a stunning view of small communities nestled between the north shore of Clear Lake and checkerboard lands leading up into the Mendocino National Forest during a visit to the Lakeview WUI Project. The project is a collaborative effort of the USFS, Lake County Fire Safe Council, CAL FIRE and the North Shore Fire Protection District.

Western Bark Beetle
(dark spot in center of photo)


The Forest Service designed the fuel reduction treatments on its land to achieve improved access for firefighters as well as forest restoration. Indoor work during this workshop, which focused on Fire Ready Communities, included shared learning from three collaborative groups – the Western Klamath Restoration Partnership, the Amador Calaveras Consensus Group and the Central Appalachians FLN.

Two USFS fire staff members designed a fun WUI exercise using 3 pans of sand, matches and birthday candles for trees, tiny wooden houses, and a fan for wind. Participants removed “trees” to reduce fuels prior to ignition with a campfire lighter (with a fire extinguisher nearby). Community engagement expert, Jana Carp, gave a presentation on an asset-based approach to community engagement.

Mendocino National Forest Supervisor, Ann Carlson, Welcomes Group to Workshop


Finally, the Mendocino Blacktail Deer Association shared a presentation about the nexus of fuels management with improving deer habitat. The Association has been a financial contributor for management treatments on the Mendocino NF.