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.
