James River

Soil Conservation District

FIREWISE COST-SHARE PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

            As the summer season fades and fall approaches, and grass and other herbaceous vegetation begins to turn brown and yellow, the danger of wildfire increases and many rural residents will find themselves surrounded by hundreds of acres of highly flammable fuel.  Unlike many of our neighboring states, North Dakotans can do very little to this herbaceous vegetation that will have a long-term effect on reducing wildfire danger.  However, the North Dakota Forest Service offers a program that can provide a firm basis of protection for rural homeowners.

            The Wildfire Protection Grant Program provides cost-share for landowners who wish to install wildfire protection practices around their homes.  The grant program has two components.  The first component is the installation of Firewise practices within the immediate vicinity of the home.  These Firewise practices are designed to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire igniting the structure.  The second component is a new concept called a “Vegetative Fuelbreak”.  A vegetative fuelbreak is a modified windbreak that is designed to slow or stop the spread of a wildfire from an adjacent wild land onto the protected home site.

            For landowners who wish to explore installing these practices on their lands, the first step is to contact the Soil Conservation District and have a firewise assessment done of the property.  This assessment identifies potential areas of concerns and mechanisms to enhance the safety of the home.  Once an assessment is done, our district personnel will fill out the appropriate paperwork and request grant funding on behalf of the landowner.  Cost-share is set at 50% of the current FSA or North Dakota Forest Service cost rates for each component installed.

            “Wildfire is a perennial concern in North Dakota.” says Jason Weinerman.  “While no home can be completely protected from wildfire, this grant program gives us a powerful tool to help rural landowners enhance their safety and may give them that vital small step that prevents a tragedy.”

            The North Dakota Forest Service has called for the first batching period to end on September 30, 2005.  Therefore, landowners who are interested in this program should contact the Soil Conservation District at their earliest convenience.  We look forward to partnering with the North Dakota Forest Service to help the citizens of our district reduce the risks of fire in our rural communities and we stand ready to help you in protecting your rural home.