Carol Brennan, UDRC Secretary welcomed area residents to the first UDRC public meeting after a two year break due to COVID precautions. She gave an overview of the UDRC and plans for the year. The meeting subject was community wildfire defensible space and public lands fuels treatments. Dean Richardson, UDRC Vice President introduced guest speakers Boone Zimmerlee, Deschutes County Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator, Robert Newey, Deschutes Natiol Forest Fire Management Officer and Ross Huffman, Oregon Department of Forestry Stewardship Forester. Boone gave a presentation featuring a video demonstrating the importance of protecting homes from wind driven embers during a wildfire. Project Wildfire meeting minutes and videos are available by visiting https://www.projectwildfire.org/2022-steering-committee-minutes.
Robert described fuels reduction project proposals for the 40 acre Forest Service parcel within the OWW 2 community, mowing small trees and brush along Forest Lane access to River Forest Acres, and thinning Forest Service land adjacent to Fall River Estates. Thees projects are scheduled to being in Fall 2022. Robert described the partnership with Oregon Department of Forestry implementing a 3000 acre fuels rMaeduction project in progress North of South Century Drive.
Ross outlined landowner fuels reduction assistance projects established under Senate Bill 762. Funding will continue for several years. Property owners in DRRH 1-5 and 9 communities can apply for roadside chipping and fuels reduction assistance by visiting https://odfcentraloregongrantinformation.blogspot.com.
Jim Larsen, UDRC President announced the reopening of the Defensible Space Reimbursement program. This year, 91 applicants have been approved and 21 projects were completed and reimbursed. Six applications for the Low-income Senior program were received and two projects were completed. Email udrc@udrc.org to suggest future meeting topics.