Arizona Forestry Earmarks $2 Million to Support Communities with Wildfire Risk Reduction Projects
Phoenix, AZ (9/30/2024) – As part of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s (DFFM) Healthy Forest Initiative (HFI), the agency earmarks $2 million for 10 fuels management projects that support wildfire risk reduction efforts.
The 10 projects equate to 3,000 acres of project work throughout the state. Some of those projects earmarked for the funding include, $100,000 to support the Peeples Valley Fire District with their Model Creek Phase 6 project. This 53-acre project located southwest of Peeples Valley plans to improve the existing fire control features and serve as an evacuation route for the community. The project includes hand thinning and mastication work to reduce vegetation by 60%.
Another project earmarked for HFI funding includes $90,000 for a 35-acre project as part of the Oracle Fire District’s ongoing community fuels reduction efforts. Oracle’s project aims to enhance the firebreak between the Coronado National Forest and the community.
Additional funding earmarked for projects include:
- Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District – $200,000
- Pine-Strawberry Fire District – $468,000
- Ponderosa Fire District – $125,000
- Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface (PAWUIC) - $156,000
- Town of Superior – $146,000
- Fry Fire District – $154,000
- Peeples Valley Fire Department Auxiliary – $100,000
- Salt River Project Agriculture Improvement Power District – $500,000
The HFI program focuses on fire prevention, critical infrastructure protection, and forest and watershed restoration through reduction of hazardous vegetation. HFI grants are supported through state and federal funding. These grants are one of many DFFM offers to support fuels reduction work, invasive plants and pests treatments, urban and community forestry efforts, and fire district/department equipment and training support.
For more information contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]
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