Guest speaker for the January 16, 2020 UDRC meeting will be Holly Jewkes, the new Deschutes National Forest Supervisor. Holly will discuss current forest plans and issues of concern for area residents.
Announcements
Free Wildfire Home Protection Strategies Class
A free one-day training class that is focused on fire science research into how homes and other structures ignite during wildfires as well as information on wildfire behavior, structure exposure, and the concepts of defensible space. Participants will gain a good understanding of wildfire hazards and mitigation strategies, how community residents can effectively lower the wildfire risk and losses to their homes, neighborhoods, and natural resources.
There will be two opportunities for you to take the class, Thursday, January 9th, 2020 or Friday, January 10th, 2020. The classes will be held from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR; in Room Ponderosa 103. Snacks and coffee will be provided, participants will need to bring their own lunch.
To register please follow the links to the classes to secure your spot:
January 9th: 3homeprotectionstrategies.eventbrite.com
January 10th: 4homeprotectionstrategies.eventbrite.com
You can also register by contacting Alison Green at cocohesivestrategy@gmail.com.
Deschutes County Fuel Reduction Discretionary Grant Program
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners has allocated $40,000 to fund fuel reduction projects to reduce wildfire risk in Deschutes County communities. Preference will be given to communities or neighborhoods that are working to be recognized as a Firewise USA site or are currently recognized as a Firewise USA site and are proposing projects consistent with their Firewise action plan and community assessment. The first round of applications will be accepted until December 13, 2019. Click on Deschutes County Fuel Reduction Grant Program for more information.
Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan
The Draft Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) and associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are now available for public comment. Learn more background about the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
MCM Matching Grant Donations Needed
The MCM Matching Grant provides funds for the UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program. We are close to our goal, we just need one more push! In order to get our $5,000 match in January 2020 we need to finish raising $1,550 by December 31, 2019. To make a donation, click Donate to UDRC.
How to Prepare for Wildfire in Upper Deschutes River Communities
Project Wildfire has published a brochure on wildfire risk, defensible space, evacuation, and resources for Upper Deschutes River Communities. Click on CWPP brochure to view the brochure.
If your home has been assessed by the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, you can see your wildfire risk assessment by going to Oregon Ready, Set, Go! and clicking on “My Risk: Go to the Map”. The Deschutes County Evacuation Guide outlines the levels to prepare for wildfire evacuation. The Central Oregon Fire Information website has current wildfire information from all public agencies.
Senior Low-income Defensible Space Program
UDRC has partnered with Council on Aging to provide free wildfire fuels reduction services for senior low-income homeowners in South Deschutes County. Click on printable flyer describing the program. To apply for the Senior Low-income Defensible Space program, click on application form which includes age and income requirements.
Defensible Space Reimbursement Program Closed
Funds for the Defensible Space Reimbursement Program have been fully allocated for 2019. We cannot accept any more applications at this time.