FIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES LEARNING NETWORK FIELD GUIDE January 2016 Copyright 2016 The Nature Conservancy

The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network—along with the Fire Learning Network, Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges and Scaling-up to Promote Ecosystem Resiliency projects—is part of the “Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and Fire Adapted Communities Together” (PERFACT) cooperative agreement among The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service). For more information about the FAC Learning Network, please visit http://fireadaptednetwork.org.

Cooperative Agreement Contacts FLN Director Lynn Decker [email protected] (801) 320-0524 USDA Forest Service Tim Melchert [email protected] (208) 387-5512 Dept. of the Interior David Overcast [email protected] (202) 606-3206

The PERFACT Team The Nature Conservancy North America Fire Team: Lynn Decker, Jeremy Bailey, Guy Duffner, Wendy Fulks, Mary Huffman, Heather Montanye, Liz Rank The Watershed Research and Training Center: Nick Goulette, Michelle Medley-Daniel, Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Emily Troisi, Katie van Pelt The Field Guide is compiled and produced by Liz Rank ([email protected]). Thanks to the numerous community leaders and partners who provided text, photos and review for this document, and for the valuable work they do in the field.

Photo Credits Front cover (top to bottom): Liz Davy/USFS, Coalition for the Upper South Platte, Forest Stewards Guild (2). This page: Liz Davy/USFS. Back cover (left to right): Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, Frank Riley, Florida Forest Service, Ryan Anderson/SCWRCD. Contents

Overview of the FAC Learning Network 2

Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network Members Austin Fire Department (Texas) 4 Boise Fire Department (Idaho) 5 Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Council (Georgia) 6 Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition (Washington) 7 Coalition for the Upper South Platte (Colorado) 8 Dovetail Partners (Minnesota) 9 FireWise of Southwest Colorado 10 Florida Forest Service 11 Forest Stewards Guild (New Mexico) 12 Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (Arizona) 13 Island Park Sustainable Fire Community (Idaho/Montana) 14 Karuk Tribe (California) 15 New Jersey Fire Safety Council (New Jersey) 16 Project Wildfire (Oregon) 17 Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (Oregon) 18 Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (Nevada/California) 19 FAC Learning Network State-Wide Efforts California Fire Safe Council 21 Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Communities 22 Washington Fire Adapted Communities Network 23

FAC Learning Network Indexes Actions Taken & Values at Risk 26 FAC hubs cross-referenced with actions to address values at risk Resources & Strategies 27 FAC hubs cross-referenced with resources, programs and strategies Public Outreach & Partnerships 28 FAC hubs cross-referenced with outreach efforts and partnerships

Photo: Liz Rank/TNC

“The value of the network is hard to quantify, but equally hard to overstate. The communication and sharing between network members, conversations with our liaison, and lessons learned from others have been invaluable.”

FAC Learning Network member interview recorded at national workshop, June 2015 Chumstick Wildfire Boise Fire Department Stewardship Coalition Ada County, ID Fire Adapted Communities Leavenworth & Plain, WA Island Park Sustainable Fire Community Island Park, ID & West Yellowstone, MT Washington FAC Network Project Wildfire Fire Adapted Dovetail Partners Learning Network Deschutes County, OR Colorado Ely, MN New Jersey Fire Safety Council Southern Oregon Forest pinelands of NJ Restoration Collaborative Jackson & Josephine Counties, OR Karuk Tribe Klamath Mountains, CA Networking to Build Community Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team Lake Tahoe, NV/CA Resilience to Wildfires Chestatee/ routinely take tactics that others are Nevada Network of Launched in 2013 Chattahoochee using to help communities live with Fire Adapted Communities RC&D Council California Fire Safe Council Towns & White , the Fire Adapted fire and adapt them for their own Counties, GA circumstances. Across the country, Communities Learning Network is Although creating fire adapted Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership Florida Forest Service stewarded by the Watershed Research interest in the network is high. Flagstaff/Coconino County, AZ Baker County, FL and Training Center and The Nature FireWise of Southwest Colorado La Plata, Montezuma & Archuleta Counties Austin Fire Conservancy. Together with the U.S. communities is itself one of the three Department The Forest Stewards Guild Travis County, TX Forest Service and the Department of broad goals of the National Cohesive western & north-central NM Coalition for the Upper South Platte the Interior, we share a vision of Wildland Fire Management Strategy, in Fire Adapted New Mexico Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Park & Teller Counties, CO accelerating the adoption of fire adapted reality helping communities live with community (FAC) concepts across the fire involves all three goals: Sixteen pilot communities nation using a tested learning network • Restore and maintain resilient land- The FAC Learning Network and five approach. scapes in all jurisdictions; emerging state-wide networks are is modeled • Prepare communities so they can active in the FAC Learning Network, after—and integrated with—the Fire live with and withstand a wildfire with plans to continue expansion. Each Learning Network, which has been without loss of life and property; and of these efforts is building capacity and focusing on restoring fire-adapted land- • Safely, efficiently and effectively raising awareness about wildfire resil- scapes since 2002. Learning networks respond to wildfires when they ience through a host of preparedness, are ideal vehicles for addressing happen. mitigation and recovery activities. complex issues such as wildland fire Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network adaptation. The FAC Learning Network Collective Value Proposition connects people and projects to avoid We help society live safely with wildfire. “reinventing the wheel,” and encourages the development and sharing of This is accomplished by network members as we: In just a few years innovations. • Share inspiration, innovations, ideas, lessons learned and best practices, we have created a • Create and maintain connections, community of FAC practitioners that • Enable their communities to become more fire resilient, includes non-profit groups, Fire Safe • Foster and grow sub‐networks, Working together: Community work days, like this Councils, Resource Conservation • Create a broader understanding of FAC concepts and principles, one near Woodland Park, CO (top), let “many hands make light work” while strengthening community and Development Councils, Firewise • Influence policy and funding, and ties. At the 2014 national workshop, the Austin Communities boards, fire departments, • Develop products that FAC practitioners can use in their communities and and Boise fire departments discovered their very community collaboratives and others. different places had much in common, leading to a regions. series of learning exchanges (bottom) in 2015. Everyone in the network knows that Photos: Coalition for the Upper South Platte; TNC they2 can call on their peers for advice, feedback and resources. Participants A Sampling of Projects Undertaken by FAC Learning Network Members Network members help their communities become more resilient by taking action before, during and after wildfires. Recent examples include: • Partnering with a statewide community sustainability NGO to add wildfire resilience to the mix (NJ) • Leading outreach efforts for a Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (OR) • Evacuating an entire town in a wildfire preparedness drill (NV) • Taking part in a team deployed in a pilot effort to support FAC strategies in an area currently experiencing large wildfires (CA, CO, WA) • Hosting local Wildfire Community Preparedness Day activities (AZ, CO, MN & others) • Maintaining websites to provide FAC information tailored to local or state needs (CA, NM, WA & others) • Taking part in state, regional and national conferences to share FAC expertise (CA, GA, NV, TX & others) • Sharing their FAC stories with media ranging from small local papers to NPR’s Morning Edition (CO, GA, NJ, WA & others)

How Does the Fire Adapted Top row: Communities from coast to coast are threatened by wildfires. From left: one of the many Communities Learning Network 2008 fires, as seen from Hayfork (CA) High School; Work? other network participants also attend 2011 Los Conchas Fire in Santa Fe National Forest, conferences and give presentations Most of the 19 organizations NM; 2007 Warren Grove Fire near Barnegat Town‐ about FAC and the FAC Learning Net- ship, NJ. Photos: WRTC; International We are connected Space Station; NJ Forest Fire Service. work. leading Bottom row: Communities in the FAC Learning local or state efforts in the FAC Learning to the larger FAC Network work at many different scales to mitigate Network receive modest funding from community through the Fire Adapted wildfire risk, from promoting individual and neigh‐ borhood action to addressing landscape resilience the program to support local FAC work Communities Coalition, which includes and fire-related policies. At the very local scale, and promote the expansion of FAC the Forest Service, U.S. Department we have learned that demonstration sites can be a to new communities. A core team of of the Interior, Insurance Institute powerful tool for convincing homeowners to take In 2015, the FAC Learning Network and Fire Learning action. From left: pilot community demonstration “netweavers” and coordinators works Network met together in Santa Fe for several days for Business and Home Safety, Inter- sites in Barnegat Township, NJ, Leavenworth, WA directly with the network participants of presentations, discussions—and plenty of one- national Association of Fire Chiefs, and Island Park, ID. to foster connections among them. on-one networking. Photo: Liz Rank/TNC National Association of State Forest- Photos: Wendy Fulks/TNC; Andrew Holm; Guy Duffner/TNC Network participants also meet in ers, National Fire Protection Associa- person annually, and quarterly through tion, National Volunteer Fire Council, webinars. On a day-to-day basis, learning, they produce quick guides, U.S. Fire Administration, NWCG WUI members use an invitation-only online communications tools, and other Mitigation Committee, the Watershed We reach out The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is workspace to share successes and resources. Research and Training Center, and The supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and resources, and to pose questions and Nature Conservancy. Together we are Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative In addition to netweaving to a broader audience engage in conversations. helping homeowners, communities and agreement between The Nature Conservancy, USDA through our website and blog, where Forest Service and agencies of the Department of , core team we share important resources and land managers in fire-prone areas to the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed members support the deployment post regularly about key FAC issues prepare for and recover from inevitable Research and Training Center. fires—to “live with fire” safely. For more information, contact Michelle Medley- of a variety of local FAC tactics and and best practices, pilot community Daniel ([email protected]). strategies, and harvest learning successes, resources and other topics v. 6 Jan 16 3 from them. Capturing the network’s of interest. Core team members and http://FireAdaptedNetwork.org Fire Adapted Austin Travis County Communities Wildfire Cooperative

LEARNING NETWORK On adoption of the plan FAC Contact: Justice Jones [email protected] , a CWPP task- (512) 974-0199 force member from the city Watershed In September 2013 Protection Department said that they KEY PARTNERS , before joining are “passionate about serving the com- Travis County— the FAC Learning Network, the City munity and are excited that, together, Office of Emergency Management of Austin hosted the state’s first Fire we can accomplish collaboration in a Transportation and Natural Resources Adapted Communities Symposium in way that has never been done before.” City of Austin— an effort to build buy-in and consensus Her comment also reflected how fire Working in the Austin Water Utility around the FAC concept. The work- and water interests have aligned for a CITY OF AUSTIN and 21 communities Fire Department shop provided a common operating common purpose, with transparency at risk in TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas Office of Homeland Security and picture of how cooperators could and commitment to find areas of agree- Emergency Management The most critical action leverage the concept into action. ment. In the end, there was much more Planning and Development Review agreement than had been imagined identified Department possible—the 940-page plan reflects a Department hopes to accomplish a was the completion of the Community Watershed Protection cultural shift that started with appre- cultural shift by sharing with others Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for Capital Area Fire Chiefs Association hension and ended with cohesion. The what we have learned: that wildfire an area that only recently realized that CWPP will be leveraged to implement is everyone’s fight—and that fight Small Cities Alliance of Travis County wildfire was a part of their new reality. Future FAC efforts a local cohesive strategy that connects starts with understanding your role. Texas A&M Forest Service The plan development and review to the FAC Learning Network by shar- process lasted almost two years as the will include the ing lessons learned and embracing Austin Travis County Wildfire Coalition Building on this monumental integration of WUI considerations into Wildfire is everyone’s fight— innovations. —a multijurisdictional taskforce— land management planning, develop- and that fight starts with worked to find common ground in effort, ment of a local prescribed fire network understanding your role. a novel environment. The plan was the City of Austin’s Fire Department that includes organizations with pre- unanimously approved by the Austin has several other key FAC goals: scribed burning responsibilities to City Council and Travis County Com- • Leverage the CWPP taskforce into ensure coordination across the county, missioners Court along with the Texas a permanent standing wildfire co- pre-incident planning for both com- understanding of the power of collabo- A&M Forest Service in November 2014. operative, whose focus will be imple- munities and natural areas, and the ration. The Austin Fire Department development of a functional evacuation menting the cohesive strategy at the Being a part hopes to learn from the successes and local level using the newly adopted model. challenges that other communities CWPP as the springboard. of the FAC Learning Net- have experienced, and to develop a • Engage the public by effecting a work is facilitating benchmarking with model for wildfire preparedness that cultural shift from feeling at risk to other communities at risk, increasing other large municipalities and counties becoming empowered to act. During exposure to novel research and subject can use to rapidly implement a local matter experts, and providing a better cohesive strategy. The recently-adopted Austin Travis County Com- the CWPP recognition ceremony and The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- munity Wildfire Protection Plan was celebrated subsequent workshop, the over- ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature by stakeholders and the public during a signing arching theme was an interest from Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a ceremony on November 14, 2014. subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. Photo: Austin Fire Department communities at risk across Travis For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). 4 county to recognize their role in v. 24 Nov 15 wildfire preparedness. Austin Fire Fire Adapted Communities Boise Fire Department

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Capt. Jerry McAdams [email protected] (208) 570-6576

The Boise Fire Department COMMUNITY PARTNERS Ada County Emergency Management / Ada County is engaged Working in Juvenile Court Services / Ada County Parks & in many FAC activities. These are Boise and Austin Fire Department personnel tour Waterways / Ada Soil & Water Conservation supported by a variety of grants and, the Idaho Botanical Gardens Firewise Garden in ADA COUNTY District / Boise High School / Boise Parks since 2015, through its participation in May 2015, as part of an Austin/Boise Fire Depart- Idaho Department / Boise Planning & Development ment Learning Exchange. the FAC Learning Network. Beginning City of Boise communities Services / Boise Public Works Department / Photo: J. McAdams/Boise Fire Department City of Eagle / Eagle Fire Protection District / in 2011, the City of Boise has been busy Boise Heights NA / Collister NA / Columbia Village / Cove East / East End NA / Harris Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association with many wildfire mitigation projects, Ranch NA / Highland NA / Homestead Rim / Healthy Hills Initiative / Hidden Springs including managing many supported by / Hulls Grove / Oregon Trail Heights / Quail Town Association / Kuna Rural Fire District our partner, the Southwest Idaho RC&D. its partners. For example, a tour for the Ridge NA / Surprise Valley / Meridian Fire Department / North Ada County Fire & Rescue District / Star Joint These include creating fuel breaks using Public Lands Foundation examined an Firewise Communities Central Foothills / Columbia Village / Fire District / Stone Creek Fire LLC / Whitney selective sagebrush thinning, grazing area where a fatal wildland fire burned, Fire Protection District / and numerous goats, herbicide application and re- Morningside Heights / Quail Ridge / and where several years of phased Warm Springs Mesa homeowner and neighborhood associations seeding. City of Boise Neighborhood wildfire mitigation work have taken REGIONAL PARTNERS Boise State Reinvestment Grant funding has also place to reduce future risks. More in- University—Department of Geosciences; supported chipping of hazardous fuels depth versions of this tour were part Public Policy Center / Bureau of Land for homeowners in targeted neighbor- Management / Idaho Bureau of Homeland of the April 2015 IAWF International Security / Idaho Department of Fish & Game hoods in the Boise wildland-urban Another RC&D-supported project Wildland Fire Safety Summit and / Idaho Fire Chiefs Association / Idaho Fire- interface. Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire wise / Idaho Power / Idaho Transportation is Conference and the Austin (Texas)- Department / International Association the acquisition and installation of an Boise learning exchange sponsored by of Fire Chiefs / International Association of Wildland Fire / National Interagency FTS Remote Automatic Weather Station the FAC Net. The Boise Fire Department In the Oregon Trail area, a late fall herbicide appli- cation on a 100-acre hillside strip followed spring Coordination Center / NextDoor / Southwest (RAWS) in the Boise Front; this includes also shares its expertise in classes at the goat grazing; reseeding is scheduled for fall 2016. Idaho RC&D / University of Idaho—Dept. of a VHF radio that can alert firefighters in National Interagency Fire Center and at A fatal wildfire took place in this area in 2008. Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology / real time to changing weather conditions Boise Fire Headquarters, teaching seg- Photo: K. McCormick/Boise Fire Department USDA Agricultural Research Service during wildland firefighting operations. ments on FAC concepts; Ready, Set, Go!; With a Western States Fire Grant and Firewise and local wildfire mitigation Through participation matching partnership funding from Ada activities to professional firefighters. activities, and provides opportunities partners and provide consistent, County Emergency Management the in FAC Net to share experiences with others. The effective countywide public outreach, Boise Fire Department is using remote workshops, we have made new Boise Fire Department’s long-term in addition to ongoing boots-on-the- sensing (LiDAR) data, to create a county- contacts and learned a great deal FAC goal is toThe bring Fire Adapted in additional Communities Learning Networkground is wildfiresupported mitigationby Promoting Ecosystemactivities. Resil- wide wildfire risk map and associated about wildfire mitigation initiatives ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature software that will improve assessment, Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a Sharing what has been learned around the country. The department planning and public outreach. subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. has found that using FAC concepts For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). is and messaging helps streamline and v. 24 Dec 15 5 also important to the department and tailor mitigation and public outreach Fire Adapted Chestatee-Chattahoochee Communities RC&D Council

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Frank M. Riley, Jr. [email protected] (706) 897-1676 REGIONAL PARTNERS Blue Ridge Mountain Soil & Water During our first year Conservation District / Broad River Soil & Water Conservation Volunteers at Leisure Woods Retirement Park— District / Georgia Dept. of Agriculture / Georgia Dept. of in the FAC Towns County’s second designated Firewise Natural Resources / Georgia Forestry Commission / Georgia Learning Network, the number of Fire- Community—marking the first neighborhood Mountain Regional Commission / Hall County Soil & Water chipper day. Photos: Frank Riley Conservation District / Stephens County Soil & Water wise communities in Towns County Working in grew from three to ten. Since then the Conservation District / The Nature Conservancy / Upper TOWNS COUNTY, Georgia Chattahoochee River Soil & Water Conservation District / number has grown to nineteen, with including the communities and USDA Forest Service— Chattahoochee/Oconee National another six communities in the process subdivisions of Asheland Cove / Forest / USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of completing plans, holding work days Autumn Ridge on the Creek / Bell communities in the area—and maintain COMMUNITY PARTNERS Blue Ridge Mountain Electric and submitting the paperwork needed Creek Estates / Brasstown Creek Wildfire calls in Towns County the ones we have—to further reduce Membership Corporation / City of Hiawassee / City of Young for Firewise community recognition. Estates / Cedar Cliff / Frog Pond Harris / Towns County 911 Mapping / Towns County Chamber wildfire calls. We continue to focus on Community / Hi River Country / of Commerce / Towns County Commissioner / Towns County have homeowner education by all methods Hiawassee Overlook / Lake Forest Emergency Management Services / Towns County Citizens dropped 75 percent since starting the available, and will work on private Estates / Leisure Woods Park / Coalition / Towns County Fire Corps / Towns County Fire Pine Crest / Plantation Villas / FAC/Firewise program. At a time when lands hazard mitigation where possible. Rescue / Towns County HOA & individual community HOAs / two neighboring counties had 57 and River Ridge / Riverstone Heights Towns County Schools / Young Harris College Most of our wildland-urban interface / Scarlets Way / Soapstone 33 wildfires, Towns County had 7. This is connected to national forest land, Community / Woodlake / Young NEW COUNTY PARTNERS Lumpkin County CERT / is attributed in large part to the which has limited opportunities for Harris College / Young Harris Lumpkin County Commissioners / Lumpkin County Emergency steady flow of messages from the FAC Mountain Management / Lumpkin County Fire Department / Union fuel reduction. However, the Forest County Commissioner / Union County Fire Rescue / White group about wildfire safety and risk Our success is due largely Service is planning more prescribed and expanding into County CERT / White County Commissioners / White County reduction around homes. burns in the future, which will help WHITE COUNTY and Emergency Management / White County Fire Rescue / to the achieve the risk reduction that LUMPKIN COUNTY White County HOA Our long-term goal formation of a FAC Citizens Coalition, communities would like to see. made up of six local citizens and as part of the The May 2015 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day representatives from three fire agencies network is to continue to spread FAC featured a live exercise simulating a wildfire/house fire (U.S. Forest Service, Georgia Forestry concepts among all of the 13 counties situation with multiple events unfolding. Sixty-three Commission and Towns County Fire). volunteers took part in this training for first responders in northeast Georgia served by the from Towns County Emergency Services; U.S. Forest The coalition gives local ownership to Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D, and to Service; Georgia Forestry Commission; Towns County citizens—and FAC leaders have begun help facilitate their spread across the Commissioners, Sheriff and 911 and Chestatee- spreading the concept to other Southeast through the learning network Chattahoochee RC&D. The exercise, in a Firewise counties in the area. As a result, new community, met with very positive results from process. The team’s ultimate goal is to first responders and the citizens involved. FAC programs have recently been help citizens make their homes and started in White, Lumpkin and Union property safer from wildfire and The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- Counties in northeast Georgia, and to minimize losses. This will boost ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature more counties are inquiring about Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a The current focus the economies and quality of life of starting their own FAC programs. subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. communities across the region, up the For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). 6 for this FAC Appalachians from Georgia to Virginia v. 14 Dec 15 group is to develop more Firewise with RC&D Councils facilitating efforts. Fire Adapted Chumstick Wildfire Communities Stewardship Coalition

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Hilary Lundgren [email protected] (509) 630-2836 The fires of 2014 and 2015 KEY PARTNERS Treatment demonstration projects to prepare for American Red Cross—Apple Valley in wildfires and a toolkit of resources to mitigate wildfire after-effects are among the projects help- Chapter north-central Washington illustrated ing make north-central Washington more Bavarian Village Business Association resilient to wildfire. Photo: Andrew Holm both learning opportunities and the Cascadia Conservation District challenges of building a resilient Working in Chelan County Fire District 3 community. Over the last year, CWSC LEAVENWORTH and PLAIN, Chelan County—Department of endeavored to learn firsthand from Washington Emergency Management, Public our neighbors who withstood loss fires; CWSC was invited to present Utility District, Public Works, Sheriff and braved recovery during and after business continuity planning in the City of Leavenworth these catastrophic events. CWSC’s Methow (according to the Methow Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce efforts and regional exchanges of Chamber of Commerce, businesses National Weather Service have a chance to share lessons knowledge, in combination with were better prepared as a result of North Central Washington Economic learned with communities across the fire season, led to an increase in this); the North Central Washington Development District the nation. Lessons learned by requests for services and collaborative Economic Development District joined Okanogan Conservation District others across the country benefit our partnerships. The volume of requests CWSC as a partner at a collective South Central Washington Resource programs, organizational capacity and demonstrates the significant need impact workshop; and a community Conservation & Development Council constituency; our own lessons shared for enhanced economic resiliency, of practice was formed by the CWSC, USDA Forest Service—Okanogan- broaden the impact of the CWSC business continuity planning and long- Okanogan Conservation District, and Wenatchee National Forest beyond the Chumstick. term recovery planning to prepare the Yakima Fire Adapted Communities Washington Fire Adapted Communities our community for future wildfire Coalition to continue the learning. WILDFIRE VISION The Chumstick Coalition envisions Learning Network incidents. CWSC is working with local The connections are leading to Washington State Department of partners, including the Fire Learning collaborative efforts and building progress toward a resilient community In 2015, CWSC convened Natural Resources Network, to develop these plans. community connectedness throughout living with wildfire. Fire is a natural By engaging with the FAC Learning part of north-central Washington, Washington State University— a group the region. Network but the 2014 wildfires changed the Cooperative Extension of business owners and civic leaders environmental, economic and social Wenatchee Valley Humane Society from Leavenworth and areas heavily , our communities and contexts in which we view fire. These and local residents & landowners impacted by the 2014 wildfires organizations have the ability to changes present both tremendous to explore what it means to be a join forces, link resources and learn challenges and tremendous The Fire Adapted Communities resilient business community. Several from the experiences of our network opportunities. We are working to Learning Network is supported by themes emerged—the importance of partners—all invaluable opportunities. Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and leverage these opportunities to create communication, the need for adequate We believe that mutual learning is Fire Adapted Communities Together, resilient governments, businesses a cooperative agreement between and comprehensive insurance, and critical to healthy collaboration and and residents, all connected and The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and the toll of a disaster on a business we strive to incorporate a strong agencies of the Department of the Interior through collaborating to change the way we community. Valuable connections learning component into all of our a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training live and work in fire country. Center. For more information, contact Michelle were made through this process: activities. As communities begin Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). Leavenworth offered to assist to adapt and respond to fire—and v. 14 Dec 15 7 Methow with news releases during change the way we view fire—we Fire Adapted Coalition for the Communities Upper South Platte

LEARNING NETWORK Contact: Jonathan Bruno [email protected] (719) 748-0033 To successfully implement www.cusp.ws Logs from a thinning project are stacked for sale. KEY PARTNERS the Front Whenever possible, CUSP sells logs to local Colorado Parks and Wildlife Range Fire Adapted Communities businesses to offset treatment costs. Photo: CUSP Colorado Springs Utilities Program, the Coalition for the Upper Colorado State Forest Service South Platte (CUSP) focuses on areas Denver Water of high to extreme fire risk and critical Working in Florissant Fire Protection District infrastructure, with an emphasis to CUSP works to tie together completed on federal, state and local WOODLAND PARK and along the Front Range Fuels Treatment Partnership our communities’ values. agency lands, utilities lands and Colorado Front Range Help the Needy completed private properties. This coordinated Jefferson County and planned forest management in work increases the overall impact on Mile High Youth Corps the watershed to increase the overall ecosystem resilience, wildfire risk Northeast Teller County Fire Protection Also a priority District impact on ecosystem resilience and reduction and watershed protection. positioned to even more effectively Park County wildfire risk reduction. This program are projects in at- implement forest management projects. Pikes Peak Wildfire Prevention Partners of work includes: risk wildland-urban interface (WUI) Participation in the FAC Learning Pikes Peak Fire Learning Network • implementing Community Wildfire zones along the Colorado Front Range. Network affords staff opportunities to Teller County Protection Plans and landscape- Having completed over 1,000 acres of discuss with others in the fire and land The Nature Conservancy scale activities that reduce treatments in 2015, CUSP has begun management field both challenges and U.S. Air Force Academy hazardous fuels; to expand its area of influence, and has new approaches to creating more USDA Forest Service • increasing forest resiliency; begun mentoring several other non- resilient communities. The FAC and local homeowners associations profit organizations facing the same Learning Network has also raised • raising community awareness, With a skilled staff challenges. the organization’s national visibility, preparedness and ownership; and Looking ahead further extending its impact. • building local capacity for project of 25 and new CUSP works in areas adjacent management and implementation. pieces of equipment, CUSP is well , CUSP will be focusing on risk reduction in the home ignition to zone, and in creating cross-boundary projects that are planned, already understanding of the needs of both the underway, or have been recently community and of the ecosystems on the Front Range of Colorado. It is our belief that both landscapes and A CUSP crew burns piled slash in the snow, to remove excess fuels from the forest when the risk communities’ values must be under- of wildfire is at its lowest. Photo: CUSP stood for effective forest management projects to succeed.The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature Knowing that the only way to protect our commu- Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a Before and after forest restoration work completed nities is by working together, CUSP volunteers lend subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. in the Woodland Park area. Photos: CUSP a hand. Photo:CUSP For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). 8 v. 16 Jan 16 Fire Adapted Communities Dovetail Partners

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Kathryn Fernholz [email protected] (612) 333-0430 Ely, Minnesota KEY PARTNERS Ely Emergency Preparedness is a community within Committee hiking distance of the Canadian border Firewise—Northeast Regional Specialist and about a four-hour drive north of Lake County the Twin Cities. With a population of Working in ELY, Minnesota Minnesota Department of Natural about 3,400, Ely is in the middle of a Resources complex landscape. Forests in this Morse/Fall Lake Township region have regrown from the heyday FIRE SAFE COUNCIL VISION of railroad logging and Paul Bunyan USDA Forest Service To engage and encourage community Vermilion Community College more than 100 years ago. Ely also The owners of this lake resort have worked with the partnerships to establish a wildfire provides a gateway to the Boundary Firewise program in Lake County and the Forest Service to mitigate wildfire risk on their property. resilient landscape for Ely and the Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, draw- Photo: Lake County surrounding wildland-urban ing residents and visitors from all over Ely is on the frontlines interface. the world. of wildfire risk for many reasons. The area has increases the risk of destructive crown fires, including the May 2012 Highway beautiful forests, but the forests are In the summer of 2014 fuels reduction projects using our 1 wildfire. thick with balsam fir which burns CWPPsWe will as also a baseline. continue like paper when green and is almost , local Ely FAC as bad as a box of matches when it partners came together to implement to work with is dead and dry. The balsam fir and a “chipper day” fuels reduction project. the Ely Emergency Preparedness other understory growth in the forests This event sparked the interest of Committee to establish evacuation around Ely can act as ladder fuel and more neighborhoods, residents and strategies for Ely residents. And we lake associations. Additional chipper hope to work with County Emergency days have been held since then, and managers on much-needed evacuation local leadership and capacity are plans/routes in the surrounding Partners are also developing For Ely, being fire adapted developing. wildland-urban interface. an Ely requires Area Fire Safe Council. The goal of the balancing recreation needs, resource Ely’s first annual Chipper Day was sponsored by local FAC partners in the summer of 2014. Council is to engage and encourage utilization and public safety. That’s not Photos: Gloria Erickson community partnerships to establish always an easy balance to strike, but A FAC and Firewise presentation held at the a wildfire resilient landscape for Ely we are makingThe Fire progress. Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- Morse/Fall Lake Fire Department was aimed at and the surrounding wildland-urban ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature raising awareness about the need for homeowners interface. Our main objectives are to Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a in the Ely region to create defensible space. subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. Photo: Gloria Erickson provide education and demonstrations For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). of Fire-wise best practices, and to v. 15 Dec 15 9 continue to identify and implement Fire Adapted FireWise of Communities Southwest Colorado

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Pam Wilson [email protected] (970) 385-8909 Since joining the FAC Net Best Practices for Working in Homeowners Montezuma, La Plata, and Archuleta Counties in 2014, • development of a in southwest Colorado FireWise of Southwest Colorado has directory, REGIONAL PARTNERS BLM—Southwest District Field Office / hosted and participated in numerous • a low-income pilot project in Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control / Colorado State Forest Service / Mountain Studies stakeholder events to discuss, plan and Montezuma County that included Institute / NRG Consulting / San Juan Citizens Alliance / San Juan Mountains Association / Short implement activities across its three- fuels reduction and hardening of Forestry / Southern Rockies Fire Science Network / Southwest Conservation Corps / University of Colorado, Boulder—Institute of Behavioral Sciences / USDA Forest Service— Rocky Mountain county area. These have included taking homes on four individual properties Research Station, San Juan NF part in public meetings hosted by La and creation of a fuel break to protect ARCHULETA COUNTY PARTNERS Archuleta County— Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, Plata County to support new driveway a 96-unit mobile home park, County Landfill, OEM / BIA—Southern Ute Agency / Colorado State University—Archuleta County standards, hosting a wildfire forum in • a new partnership with the La Plata Extension Office / Los Pinos FPD / Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District / Pagosa FPD / Pagosa Montezuma County where 30 people County GIS Department to map fuels- Springs High School / San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership / Stollsteimer Watershed Group discussed opportunities for increasing reduction efforts across the region, / USDA Forest Service—San Juan NF (Pagosa RD) / USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service wildfire preparedness, and a workshop • a collaborative effort conducting LA PLATA COUNTY PARTNERS BIA—Southern Ute Agency / City of Durango / Durango & Silverton on FAC and wildfire preparedness for fuels mitigation work on conserva- Narrow Gauge Railroad / Durango FPD / Fort Lewis Mesa FPD / La Plata Conservation District / La FireWise convenes two working Plata County— Board of County Commissioners, OEM, Planning and GIS Departments / La Plata realtors, insurance agents and residents. tion easements near communities groups Open Space Conservancy / Los Pinos FPD / Upper Pine River FPD / USDA Forest Service—San Juan NF with FireWise Ambassadors or (Columbine RD) — a Regional Council and Biomass CWPPs, and MONTEZUMA COUNTY PARTNERS BIA—Ute Mountain Ute Agency / Colorado Division of Parks Utilization group. These arose from a • working with the San Juan National and Wildlife / Cortez FPD / Cortez Open Learning High School / Dolores County OEM / Empire wildfire collaboration conference we Forest to highlight a 1,200-acre Electric Association / Four Corners Bar Association / Four Corners Home Builders Association / K&N prescribed burn conducted adjacent Fuels Management / Lewis-Arriola FPD / Mancos FPD / Montelores Habitat Partnership Program hosted in 2014, and now host twice FireWise continues to support / Montezuma County— Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, County Landfill, OEM / yearly for partners to share information to a Firewise Community. Montezuma Land Conservancy / National Park Service—Mesa Verde National Park (Fire Management) and discuss issues. The biomass working the / Pleasant View FPD / Tri-State Generation and Transmission Cooperative / USDA Forest Service— group is addressing opportunities for Firewise Communities USA program, Dolores Public Lands Office / Ute Mountain Ute Fire and Rescue / Western Area Power Administration developing a biomass industry in the adding three new communities in Top of page: The 2014 FireWise chipper rebate region. FireWise has contracted with 2015, for a regional total of 11. We also program provided almost $20K in rebates to 91 residents and HOAs, who matched with $107K the Colorado State Forest Service and support National Wildfire Preparedness In 2015 and 4,065 hours of work. Photo: Pam Wilson Colorado State University for a biomass Day with events in all three counties. Right: A 2014 tour of the 2012 Weber Fire. utilization study. In the meantime, , our Montezuma County co- Due to education, mitigation and evacuation FireWise continues to address the need planning laid out in their CWPP, no homes ordinator hosted several meetings with were damaged in the 10,000-acre fire and all for slash disposal through operation of the Forest Service, local water conserva- residents were evacuated safely. several slash depots and a chipper rental tion districts, Bureau of Reclamation Photo: Cortez Journal/Jim Mimiaga rebate program, and by providing and others to determine interest in The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- funding for homeowner association use FireWise also champions starting a collaborative group to protect ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature of an air curtain burner. the McPhee Reservoir water supply, Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. many FAC- which is primarily the Upper Dolores For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). related10 projects that support wildfire Watershed. Interest is strong and we v. 24 Dec 15 risk reduction. These have included: plan to continue convening the group. Fire Adapted Communities Florida Forest Service

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Ronda Sutphen [email protected] (850) 681-5929

As part of our FAC KEY PARTNERS Baker County Board of County Learning Network Commissioners activity, FFS works with new and A core working group leads the FAC efforts of the Florida Forest Service. Photo: FFS Baker County Fire Department existing partners in Baker County to Baker County Sheriff’s Office— undertake fire adapted communities Working in BAKER COUNTY, Florida Emergency Management Division activities that address mitigation Baker County Veterans Council challenges and opportunities. A kickoff City of Macclenny event in 2014 brought community Council, Longleaf Initiative, North Flatwoods Management LLC leaders, stakeholders and key partners Florida Prescribed Fire Council and Florida Division of Emergency together to learn about the idea of fire members of the public. The Taylor Management adapted communities—and about the Firewise Community USA held its Florida Division of State Parks importance of the concepts to Baker annual Community of Taylor Firewise Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission County and surrounding communities. Day for residents and volunteers as Florida Forest Service Work since then has continued this In 2015 well. These events highlighted pilot Greater Okefenokee Association of important conversation. community FAC initiatives, the Baker Landowners , for example, the Baker County County CWPP, Firewise and the IAFC North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Community Wildfire Protection Plan Ready, Set, Go! program. Handouts, Plum Creek Timber Company (CWPP) was updated to incorporate displays and presentations showcased Rayonier Inc. FAC concepts. The completed plan was the Firewise principles of defensible Taylor Firewise USA Community added to the Local Mitigation Strategy space and landscaping for wildfires, The Longleaf Alliance as an appendix, where it enhances the and the application of ignition- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service— Wildfire Protection Element of the resistant construction and hazardous Looking forward Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge strategy by providing a wildfire risk fuel reduction. Outreach to the community through many venues forms a key part of the FAC work in the county. USDA Forest Service—Osceola assessment and a ready list of mitigation , a FAC/Firewise Photo: FFS National Forest projects that address defensible space coordinator will be guiding efforts. for wildfires, ignition-resistant Continuing outreach will engage Through FAC Learning Network construction and hazardous fuels Community events residents and assess hazards, host reduction. The Fire Adapted Communities tours of successful defensible space Learning Network is supported by in Baker County, and mitigation projects and otherwise activities and CWPP objectives, actions Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and have brought together a diverse range promote fire adapted communities are expected in three new Firewise Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between of experts and stakeholders including actions in the county. A core working Communities (Community Protection The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and the Baker County Agricultural group will be training members of Zones) by the end of 2016. The county agencies of the Department of the Interior through Extension Agent and staff members, the Baker County Veterans Council fire department also recently adopted a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. For more information, contact Michelle Baker County Board of County to assist in and conduct Firewise the RSG! program, and the core working Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). Commissioners, Baker County Fair assessments for county residents and group will be providing support to v. 16 Jan 16 11 Association, Baker County Veterans help prepare them to take action. help the department implement it. Fire Adapted Communities Forest Stewards Guild

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Eytan Krasilovsky [email protected] (505) 983-8992 x 16 Public and stakeholder KEY PARTNERS Angel Fire—Fire Department engagement A prescribed fire training exchange (TREX) in Octo- is a high priority for this partnership, ber helped build local capacity while treating fuels Chris’s Tree Service as is building capacity to implement on 255 acres near Black Lake City of Santa Fe—Fire Department FAC projects in northern New Mexico. Photo: Mark Meyers/NMSLO Fire Services Support, LLC We continue to make tremendous Working in La Cueva Road The Forest Stewards Guild Other key efforts strides on both fronts. SANTA FE COUNTY and McKINLEY McKinley County COUNTY, New Mexico New Mexico Association of Counties joined the have included: and the communities of Angel Fire / New Mexico State Forestry New Mexico Wildland Urban Interface • overhauling and maintaining www. Black Lake / Bluewater Acres / Dixon / New Mexico State Land Office Summit planning team in the spring of fireadaptednewmexico.org based on La Cueva / Penasco / Santa Fe / Timber Santa Fe County 2014 and helped plan a three-day event feedback from partners; The Nature Conservancy—New Mexico around the theme of fire adapted • discussing FAC issues on local radio Lake Ranches USDA Forest Service—Cibola National communities. This relationship has and in newspapers; The Guild continues to expand Forest, Santa Fe National Forest continued in 2015 and 2016. We also • leveraging existing relationships Wildfire Network continue to work with the City of Santa with landowners and The Nature and Fe FAC Coalition and with the budding Conservancy to collaboratively leverage FAC Net investments with The fall TREX combined Wildfire Network, which has recently broadcast burn 101 acres on private companion projects and funding. For training, treatments and been incorporated as a nonprofit land across two ranches in a high example: outreach: a local reporter organization to provide a one-stop conducted a video interview priority WUI area in McKinley County • We are midway through a three- with the NM State Lands shop for mitigation information. The in late 2015; year project supported by the Forester during ignitions. Nature Conservancy has invested in • working with New Mexico State Forest Service’s Collaborative Forest Photo: Mary Stuever/NMSF local FAC efforts to expand impact by Forestry and other partners to Restoration Program to restore convening peer learning workshops in incorporate lessons learned and forests and improve watershed the Rio Grande Water Fund region. ideas from the national FAC Net into conditions in a high priority area Association of Counties that will the formal guidance for all new and Combining implementation adjacent to values at risk identified expand the tablet-based home- updated CWPPs in the state. in the local CWPP. site risk assessment program into and out- • In 2015 the Guild completed a Socorro County. reach, the Guild continues to integrate project in McKinley County, reducing • In 2016 the Guild is working on two FAC outreach and education into our fuels in the home ignition zone for CWPP updates, and the Wildfire youth conservation crew program. 30 homes. Network will be writing another, Every summer over 45 rural youth • Fire Service Support is working that will incorporate FAC ideas and work for nine weeks across six Forest on a projectThe forFire Adaptedthe New Communities Mexico Learning Networkapproaches. is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- Service ranger districts on three ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature Kids gather around a matchstick “forest fire” national forests. These crews work Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a demonstration at an Earth Day outreach event in subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. Santa Fe. Photo: Forest Stewards Guild on FAC and conservation projects like For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). 12 fuels reduction and prescribed fire line v. 16 Jan 16 construction. Fire Adapted Greater Flagstaff Communities Forests Partnership LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contacts: Mark Brehl [email protected] (928) 637-0547 Anne Mottek Lucas The Greater Flagstaff Forests [email protected] Partnership (928) 213-0413 http://www.gffp.org/ (GFFP) is a long-standing collaborative of academic, environment- KEY PARTNERS al and private organizations and Arizona Game and Fish Department municipal, county, state and federal Working in the Arizona Prescribed Fire Council agencies. Since 1996, we have worked GREATER FLAGSTAFF AREA Arizona State Forestry Division to increase community protection COMMUNITY of northern Arizona Centennial Forest through research and demonstration During the 2015 Flagstaff Festival of Science, City of Flagstaff community members helped mark trees for thinning of approaches to restore the natural by the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project. Coconino County ecosystem structure, function and Photo: Mark Brehl Coconino County Conservation District composition in the ponderosa pine Flagstaff Fire Department forests surrounding Flagstaff. GFFP forest treatments and recognize Friends of Northern Arizona Forests Northern Arizona University— has helped lead a shift in public under- property owners with publicly visible Ecological Restoration Institute standing and support for proactive of the FAC Net and our partners. Our signs acknowledging their contribution Northern Arizona University—School forest management—increasing Firewise landscaping contest in May to a more fire adapted community. of Forestry awareness of threats our forested generated incredible excitement, with We are planning treatments at Ft. communities face and the solutions Ponderosa Fire Advisory Council GFFP contributes cash prizes for the five homeowners Tuthill County Park, which sees more underway to reduce our risk. Southwest Fire Science Consortium who best showed that a fire adapted than 100,000 visitors a year, and will The Nature Conservancy to two important landscape can be both practical and build a kiosk to explaining fire and initiatives in the state: the Flagstaff beautiful. This event generated on- forest management efforts and the Watershed Protection Project (FWPP) going interest, with buzz for the 2016 responsibilities of people living in and Four Forest Restoration Initiative contest starting months ahead of time. a fire adapted community. To raise (4FRI). On the 4FRI project, we lead GFFP also hosted events at the week- support for the increasing pace and monitoring of contractors’ economic long Flagstaff Festival of Science, scale of treatments in our forests, contributions. In the FWPP, we worked including a hike on Observatory Mesa, GFFP will hold a harvesting methods with the City of Flagstaff and Arizona and an exercise that allowed people of workshop to help people understand State Forestry Division to plan, fund all ages to experience hands-on marking novel harvesting approaches like cable and oversee a 475-acre restoration of trees in an area harvested just days and helicopter logging. As we work to Fire smart and beautiful describes the landscaping of the winners of GFFP’s 2015 Fire Adapted project on Observatory Mesa, city- later in a FWPP thinning project. With create resilient forests and safe and Landscaping Contest. Photo: Mark Brehl owned land within the FWPP boundary. fun and fresh approaches, we continue sustainable communities, we look We also continue cost-share assistance to foster community awareness that forward to another successful year. The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- to private landowners, with several transforms the public into active ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature hundred acres of treatments planned partners in our effort to reduce wildfire Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a GFFP hosted numerous events GFFP looks forward in the coming year. risk and restore forest health. subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). in to another active v. 7 Jan 16 13 2015 that promote common goals year. We will continue to facilitate Fire Adapted Island Park Communities Sustainable Fire Community

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Les Fadness [email protected] (208) 680-6852 The Island Park Sustainable Fire KEY PARTNERS Community Farm Bureau Insurance Fire Safe Landscaping, LLC (IPSFC) is a collaborative Fremont County group of concerned citizens along High Country RC&D with representatives from the private Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Smokey Bear was a popular visitor at Island Park’s Working in sector, non-profit organizations and first Wildfire Awareness Week. Idaho Department of Lands local, state and federal agencies. The ISLAND PARK, Idaho and Idaho State Fire Marshall— IPSFC is working diligently to help WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana Department of Insurance balance the scales of the wildland Island Park volunteer Fire District urban interface and fire adapted opportunities to meet Smokey Bear, OUR VISION The Nature Conservancy—Idaho (Flat communities. We are committed to and demonstrations by the Island Park Human and ecological communities Ranch) developing a strong social, ecological Volunteer Fire Department, U.S. of Island Park and West Yellowstone USDA Forest Service—Caribou-Targhee Recent actions and sustainable forest community. Forest Service and the Community are resilient to fire, insect and disease National Forest (Ashton and Dubois Outreach representatives through awareness, outreach and Ranger Districts) have included doing Emergency Response Team. action. and above all, homeowners and property risk evaluations for homeowners, con- also con- owners of the Island Park Caldera ducting fuels reduction demonstration tacted 300 people during the 2015 Website: www.islandparksustainablefirecommunity.com projects and hosting tours of them, summer season, handing out brochures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IslandParkSustainableFireCommunity giving presentations at homeowners’ and talking with property owners association meetings and other venues, about IPSFC and its offerings, including Right: Fuels cut and ready for removal at one of the first four defensible space demonstration projects launching a website and Facebook the risk evaluations, Wildfire Aware- of the collaborative. Photos: Jessica Simpson page. Slash pickup days have also been ness Week, and slash pickup days. As scheduled throughout the Island Park a result of the postcard mailings and area, and 5,000 postcards for home face-to-face contacts, IPFSC received evaluations were sent to owners of 156 requests from property owners homes and other property in the area. to complete risk evaluations on their enough woody fuels to fill about 80 A full-time project coordinator, two properties. The first 121 evaluations 10-wheeled dump trucks—were The bar is set high outreach representatives and two fuels were completed by the end of 2015, hauled away and disposed of. specialists provide a core to coordinate with the remainder set as a top Wildfire Awareness Week To conclude for 2016. IPSFC and carry out this work. priority for the spring of 2016. The Fire Adapted Communities and its partners plan to improve on Learning Network is supported by reached the summer’s activities, these programs and activities, including Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and about 400 people in 2015. Discussion the second annual slash pickup days completing six more demonstration Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between topics included wildfire risk to homes, took place in September. Homeowners properties to show what properly The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and disaster preparedness, insurance in subdivisions as far south as mitigated homes and lots look like. The agencies of the Department of the Interior through coverage for homes and property, Pinehaven and as far north as Henry’s summer may bring wildfire challenges, a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. For more information, contact Michelle and firefighting responsibilities of the Lake put slash by the side of the road but Island Park is committed to Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). 14various agencies in the area. There for IPSFC to haul. During a three-week developing strong social and ecological v. 28 Nov 15 were also games and prizes for kids, period, 960 cubic yards of slash— communities to meet them. Fire Adapted Communities Karuk Tribe

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Bill Tripp [email protected] on the Nickowitz Fire and Gasquet (530) 627-3446 x 3023 The Western Klamath Restoration WKRPComplex, has and developed responded to incidents Partnership throughout northern California. a new approach (WKRP) is a multi- to cultural resource surveys that stakeholder collaborative working includes Cultural Vegetation Character- to improve forest resiliency and istics as indicators for site-specific Working in Participants in the fall 2015 Klamath River TREX community safety. Both the Fire Adapted management. These efforts are being practiced the use of fire for environmental CECILVILLE, FORKS OF SALMON, education, community protection, cultural resource Communities Learning Network and led by three staff. We are also building HAPPY CAMP, ORLEANS, SAWYERS enhancement and eco-cultural revitalization. WKRPFire Learning has successfully Network play leveraged important on existing skillsets of partner organiza- Photos: Stormy Staats/KSMC roles in the partnership. tions in the fields of wildlife, forestry BAR, SEIAD and SOMES BAR, and and botanical data collection and with INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Northern California Prescribed Fire funds from multiple sources to support LiDAR validation. Eighty food-grove in northern California Council its work. BIA Reserved Treaty Rights assessments have been completed, Northwest California Fire Science Lands program funds have enabled the providing valuable information on Consortium hiring of an Assistant Fire Management stand dynamics and cultural food and Orleans Volunteer Fire Department Our current focus Orleans-Somes Bar Fire Safe Council Officer, a Wildland Fire Operations fiber resource considerations. through this process, lessons learned Salmon River Restoration Council will help formulate the next pilot Specialist and a Prescribed Fire and includes further Salmon River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Fuels Technician. The tribe is admin- expansion of WKRP activities to projects, in the Happy Camp and Stanford University istering the Incident Qualifications and achieve our vision of establishing and Salmon River communities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Certification System (IQCS) and has maintaining resilient ecosystems, KEY PARTNERS U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service developed an MOU with the Mid- communities and economies guided by Bureau of Indian Affairs University of California, Berkeley Klamath Watershed Council and Salmon cultural and contemporary knowledge CAL FIRE University of California, Davis River Restoration Council, to facilitate through a truly collaborative process Deer Creek GIS University of Oregon qualification development under that effectuates the revitalization of Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression Inc. USDA Forest Service—Klamath NF, Happy Camp Fire Safe Council Shasta-Trinity NF, Six Rivers NF; National Incident Management System. Withhuman a relationshipsmulti-organizational with our dynamic The new positions and IQCS are critical landscape. Inter-Tribal Agriculture Council Pacific Southwest Research Station; Inter-Tribal Timber Council Region 5 State and Private Forestry to building the local capacity needed , to increase our Cohesive Strategy Klamath Forest Alliance USDA Natural Resources Conservation Among these efforts integrated networking approach, the Klamath Salmon Media Collaborative Service—Fortuna Service Center, Yreka implementation efforts. partnership has begun planning and Mid Klamath Watershed Council Service Center are Prescribed implementation in and near the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Watershed Research and Training Center Fire Training Exchanges (TREX); in Western Klamath Mountains FLN Administration—Fisheries Western Region Strategy Committee 2015 a Tribal Representative, Incident landscape. The Somes Bar Integrated Commander, Wildland Fire Operation Wildland Fire Management and The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- Specialist and several others took part Capacity Development Project will ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature in TREX. Our handcrew also prepared demonstrate the use of linear treat- Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. fireline for the TREX and for Forest ments to confine larger prescribed For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). Service controlled burns. On wildfires, burn units and safely scale up fire v. 14 Dec 15 15 we engaged a Tribal Representative management activities. As we work Fire Adapted New Jersey Communities Fire Safety Council

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: William F. Brash, Jr. [email protected] (732) 890-0725 The New Jersey Pinelands KEY PARTNERS Barnegat Fire Company are “ground Barnegat Township zero” for wildland-urban interface (WUI) Horizons at Barnegat in the state. These pine barrens are an Mirage at Barnegat extremely flammable ecosystem. The Above: The 2007 Warren Grove Wildfire burns New Jersey Forest Fire Service area, in south-central New Jersey, has behind businesses on County Route 72 in Barnegat Working in New Jersey Forest Service become popular with retirees, who are Township. Photo: Kevin Burke/NJ Forest Fire Service Pinelands in south-central New Jersey Sustainable Jersey mainly new arrivals with little or no Below: That fire burned right to the brink of the USDA Forest Service Our fire adapted communities work mobile home Community of Brighton at Barnegat. understanding of their fire risk. The FAC Learning Network has resulted in new Wildfire Fuel Hazard for Ocean County relationships with residents and the owner of the community, with an emphasis on the Firewise and Being part of the FAC Learning has been at two scales. At the local Ready, Set, Go! programs and on wildfire resiliency. Network level, the Barnegat Fire Company Photo: NJ Forest Fire Service conducts workshops with Barnegat has been very beneficial for Township communities to keep them New Jersey. We have learned about the informed of the risk reduction efforts value and potential of Fire Safe Councils being made. Two Firewise Communities at both the local and statewide levels, —Horizons and Mirage—have talented, and as a result have formed a statewide council, and plan to support as many motivated liaisons who keep their water communities informed and productive local councils as are needed to benefit Our long-term goals low in reducing risk through mechanical New Jersey’s WUI residents. moderate fuel reduction projects. They have also are to create a high begun spreading the FAC word to other very high under the program, communities must network of fire resilient municipalities extreme WUI communities in the township and implement wildfire preparedness using existing fire prevention and pre- urban Barnegat Township beyond. Our top priorities in Barnegat programs and other actions. These may paredness programs, and to coordinate agriculture Township are to continue to promote include the Firewise and Ready, Set, Go! those efforts through a statewide Fire barren land Firewise and Ready, Set, Go! in the programs, developing Community Safe Council that trains local members most vulnerable neighborhoods, and to Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and targets funding to motivated create additional evacuation routes for Map: NJ Forest Fire Service At the state level and Community Forestry Management councils where preparedness efforts one of our largest WUI communities. Plans, and instituting a Fire Safe will provide the best return on There are 56 retirement communities with 125,000 residents in Ocean County, including 5 communities , we work with the Council to coordinate efforts at the investment. In this way we hope to (7,400 people) in Barnegat Township. environmental community to promote municipal level. We have worked with bring additional state and federal wildland fire resiliency through the Sustainable Jersey to define this suite resources toThe New Fire AdaptedJersey’s Communities FAC efforts. Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- existing Sustainable Jersey Program. of emergency preparedness actions, ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature This has involved developing a suite and have drafted a model municipal Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. of emergency preparedness actions ordinance that municipalities can For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). tied16 to that program. To reduce their adapt to develop their own Fire Safe v. 28 Dec 15 risk and be certified as “resilient” Councils. Fire Adapted Communities Project Wildfire

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Alison Green [email protected] (541) 322-7129

Project Wildfire’s flagship program KEY PARTNERS , The first Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) Bend Fire Department / Brooks in Oregon took place in May 2015. Project Wildfire FireFree, had a burst of growth in 2015, led the media outreach efforts, which included a Resources / Brown & Brown Insurance with the spring event breaking the TV commercial, radio PSAs and a printed handout / Bureau of Land Management / explaining the benefits of prescribed fire. Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project record set in 2014 with a 27 percent Working in Photo: Alison Green / Deschutes County—Board of Com- increase in participation. This spring DESCHUTES COUNTY, Oregon surge suggests that more residents are missioners, Community Development, including 7 CWPP areas preparing for fire season before smoke Emergency Manager, County Forester Bend / East & West Deschutes is on the horizon. All the agencies more than 80,000 residents, about half / Deschutes River Woods / Deschutes Another opportunity County / La Pine / Redmond / Sisters involved in wildfire prevention and the population of Deschutes County. Rural Fire Protection District #2 / / Sunriver / Upper Deschutes River preparedness were able to coordinate for shared International Association of Fire Chiefs Coalition messages well ahead of fire season— learning was made when a local fire / National Fire Protection Association / and local residents not only prepared district hosted five firefighters from and 19 Firewise Communities North Rim HOA / Oregon Department for fire season, but offered aid to parts the United Kingdom for two weeks. Aspen Lakes / Awbrey Glen / Caldera of Forestry / Oregon State University— Central Oregon also hosted of the state affected by large wildfires. The firefighters—from Hampshire Fire Springs / Cascade Meadows Ranch / Extension / Ponderosa Pines Property Crosswater / Deschutes River Woods Owners Association / Rimrock West its first and Rescue Fire Department—visited / Fall River Estates / North Rim / HOA / River Meadows HOA / Shevlin Prescribed Fire Training Exchange in the National Interagency Fire Center, Ponderosa Pines / Rimrock West / Commons / Singletree Enterprises LLC May 2015. With input from partners, Central Oregon Dispatch and Project River Meadows / Spring River / Star / Sisters Fire Department / Sunriver Project Wildfire produced a range of Wildfire, and fought a fire at Canyon Ranch / Sunriver / Sunset View HOA / Sunset View Estates HOA / The outreach tools about prescribed fire. Creek. The Hampshire personnel Estates / The Ridge at Eagle Crest Highlands at Broken Top / The Nature The 10-day media campaign reached learned more about how wildfires are managed in the United States using / Tollgate / Wild River / Woodside Conservancy / Tollgate HOA / Upper central Oregon as a model. While Ranch Deschutes River Coalition / USDA there are wildland fires in the U.K., Forest Service / Western Region they are not as common—or as large— Cohesive Strategy—Chair, Committee as in the U.S. West. For the hosts, network. Ideas for CWPP revisions, Coordinator sharing information and experiences how to document home assessments, with other fire professionals was an a successful networking day agenda, The Fire Adapted Communities opportunity to better acknowledge and other guides developed by FAC Learning Network is supported by our fire risk and take action on the partners and shared through the Promoting Ecosystem Resilience and appropriate levels to make central network have given Project Wildfire Fire Adapted Communities Together, The knowledge a cooperative agreement between Oregon more fire adapted. motivation to implement similar ideas The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and FireFree activities led by Project Wildfire—such as brought to Deschutes in Deschutes County. Looking forward, agencies of the Department of the Interior through slash disposal opportunities—support residents’ County from being part of the FAC Project Wildfire plans to capitalize on a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training efforts to make their properties better prepared for Center. For more information, contact Michelle wildfire. Photo: Alison Green Learning Network has been more relationships built within the network Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). valuable than Project Wildfire had to implement a successful training v. 24 Dec 15 17 even hoped for when joining the exchange in the Pacific Northwest. Fire Adapted Southern Oregon Forest Communities Restoration Collaborative

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: George McKinley [email protected] www.sofrc.org The Southern Oregon Forest KEY PARTNERS Restoration Collaborative Students in grades 6 and 7 clear brush near their Applegate Fire Plan school. SOFRC received one of the 65 Firewise Bureau of Land Management— (SOFRC) grants for community projects awarded by the Medford District works to build support and strategies National Fire Protection Association in 2015. SOFRC, the Applegate Fire District, Ruch School, City of Ashland for cohesive forest restoration across and the BLM partnered to make Ruch school—and City of Grants Pass the dry forests of southwest Oregon. their community—better prepared for fire. Working in Photo: SOFRC Jackson County Our goal is to create resilient forests JACKSON and JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Jackson County Fire District 3 and communities, support coordinated Oregon Josephine County forest planning, and maintain a vibrant Lomakatsi Restoration Project forest management and utilization Oregon Department of Forestry infrastructure. While our focus is changing climate, and support diverse Oregon State University—Extension on federal lands, the checkerboard habitats, fire-adapted communities, Service landscape of the region encourages economic sustainability and ecosystem KEY RESTORATION PRINCIPLES The Nature Conservancy an all-lands approach to achieve services valued by the community. • Management recommendations Our recent Illinois Valley Timber U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service integrated forest restoration goals. Integrated risk assessments are key to based on historic fire return Sustainability Assessment USDA Forest Service—Rogue River- the strategy, and will help determine intervals, site productivity and Siskiyou National Forest priority needs and opportunities future climatic conditions identified This strategy meets the goals an available, cost-effective, restoration- across the basin. • Reliance on a fine-grained based federal timber supply that of the approach covering a landscape helped leverage state and national Western Action Plan of the National scale investments to enable the retooling Wildfire Cohesive Strategy, and is • Use of both fire and mechanical and reopening of a local mill, informing the update of the fire plans harvest to achieve and maintain ROGUE BASIN ANALYSIS AREA which provides 70 jobs to the rural of Jackson and Josephine Counties. ecological and economic goals community. The assessment was key This process encourages coordination • Support for fire adapted to developing the cohesive forest in local efforts to integrate the three community efforts restoration strategy, working within Cohesive Strategy goals—resilient • Advocate long-term viability of current federal forest management forests, fire adapted communities and critical habitats and species guidelines and land allocations, and coordinated wildfire planning and SOFRC has also completed • Highlight economic benefits of receiving support from the U.S. Fish suppression activity. planning and implementation & Wildlife Service in its effort to The Cohesive Forest Restoration a efficiencies of restoration conserve northern spotted owl habitat. Rogue Basin Strategy climate adaptation action plan for the Rogue Basin. The plan guides The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem for the Rogue Basin covers forest restoration planning and Resilience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The 4.6 million acres. It identifies and implementation in a changing climate. Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. prioritizes 50,000 acres for treatment Steps are being made to meet goals For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). over18 the next 20 years. Projects will outlined in the plan, including the v. 1 Dec 15 promote resilient landscapes in a Cohesive Forest Restoration Strategy. Fire Adapted Communities Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team

LEARNING NETWORK FAC Contact: Forest Schafer [email protected] (775) 690-7506

With two states KEY PARTNERS South Tahoe High School students help show off the Ember House, an activity for kids to learn California Department of Forestry and , five counties and about how embers catch houses on fire. Fire Protection / California State Parks seven fire districts, the Lake Tahoe Photo: Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team / California Tahoe Conservancy / City Basin presents unique challenges for of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department coordinating FAC activities. Since Working in / Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Department / joining the FAC Learning Network, LAKE TAHOE BASIN communities Fire Public Information Team / Lake the public, and increasing public fire, land management and regulatory in Washoe and Douglas Counties in Valley Fire Protection District / Meeks involvement in decision-making agencies have strengthened partner- Nevada and El Dorado and Placer Bay Fire Protection District / Nevada processes. The team has established a ships by formalizing the role each plays Counties in California Division of Forestry / Nevada Division new workgroup dedicated to forming in creating a fire adapted community. of State Lands / Nevada Network of FAC leadership councils and creating The association of 19 organizations, Fire Adapted Communities / Nevada a Tahoe Basin-wide Fire Adapted called the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, Failure gains value Tahoe Conservation District / North Community Alliance. facilitates information exchange, the character of the community and Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District / resource sharing and coordinated out- when participating the landscape is gradually shifting to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District reach and communication across juris- in a learning network. Lake Tahoe become more fire-adapted. To continue / Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team / Tahoe dictional boundaries. The team recently organizations share their successes and the transition, the team is striving for Regional Planning Agency / University completed an updated Community challenges, and in turn learn from an effective partnership of agencies of Nevada—Cooperative Extension Wildfire Protection Plan that contains others throughout the nation. Methods and the public that can be sustained To provide cost-effective / USDA Forest Service—Lake Tahoe action plans to help create communities for sharing and collaborating are being without the need for outside funding. Basin Management Unit where citizens are engaged and active Until 2011 adapted from the national program for maintenance in preparing for wildfire. use in regional networks. Participation of fuels reduction treatments, Basin , a non-profit organization in the FAC Net has helped build a culture agencies seek to increase the use of provided substantial support to Lake where organizations are encouraged prescribed fire, especially on private Tahoe communities working to reduce to take calculated risks that can lead and local government land. The landscaping ignition resistance to allow to important breakthroughs and understory fire to be safely applied fire risk. When the nonprofit went Wildfire is inevitable land is often adjacent to homes and bankrupt, it left communities without innovations in becoming fire adapted. businesses, and the understory burns nearby; and developing agreements and processes for burns that span federal, support and financial assistance. The in the Lake are technically difficult to implement. For more information Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is focused Tahoe Basin, but catastrophic fire is Increased burning will be facilitated state, local and private ownerships. on rebuilding support functions for preventable. Through FAC programs, by: exchanging resources, knowledge, about the and training to build the skill base in Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, visit the the Basin; increasing structure and website http://tahoefft.org. The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature Actions from community work days to information tables at block parties, and from chipper days to Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a conducting prescribed burns, are being offered to help communities prepare to live safely in a landscape subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. with inevitable wildfires. Photos: Tahoe Douglas FPD (left), North Lake Tahoe FPD (others) For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). v. 28 Nov 15 19 FAC Learning Network State-Wide Efforts Fire Adapted California Communities Fire Safe Council

LEARNING NETWORK Contact: [email protected] (626) 335-7426

The California Fire Safe Council KEY PARTNERS CAL FIRE National Fire Protection Association— (CFSC) is a state-wide nonprofit that Firewise provides wildfire education and out- Working Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council reach support and capacity-building throughout the state of California USDA Forest Service assistance to organizations in California that are engaged in fire preparedness. The California Fire Safe Council This wide-reaching influence and sup- Homeowners participate in home ignition zone manages a grants clearing- port of local community groups makes assessment training organized by California Fire house for the state, and Safe Council. Photo: Katie Martel/CFSC works with applicants to us especially well positioned to spread ensure their success and innovative ideas from local California help them meet their Fire Safe Councils and Firewise responsibilities as A recent area of focus Communities through the FAC Learning grantees. Network, and to bring innovations CFSC is also the For more than 20 years as part of the back to our California partners. state liaison for FAC Learning Network has been to the Firewise , CFSC has increase wildfire preparedness among Communities been a leader in California’s fight to residents in the wildland-urban inter- program. reduce the impact of wildfire. CFSC is face (WUI) through development of an Attendees visit exhibitors at the 2014 Fire Summit, which was hosted by the Southern California recognized by state and federal fire innovative mobile application. This Regional Area Taskforce and sposored by California agencies as a vital link to communities. includes expanding the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council. Photos: CFSC Private corporations, including utility FSC’s online home safety survey to CALIFORNIA and insurance companies, have shown create a mobile app assessment tool FIRE SAFE COUNCIL CFSC offers workshops generous support for CFSC’s work. for Fire Safe Councils and Firewise MISSION and one-day Communities to use with homeowners. expanded. New website content high- Mobilizing Californians conferences on fire and disaster pre- This tool applies current technology lights successes of local FSCs and Fire- to protect their homes, vention topics several times each year to make the assessment process more wise Communities, and an online forum communities and convenient for in-field implementation in locations throughout the state. Fire allows FSCs, Firewise Communities, environment from wildfires Safe Councils communicate regularly and allows for easy communication grantee organizations and community of assessment findings to the with CFSC to share information about We continue to advance groups to share tips, lessons learned homeowner. local events and successful projects and best practices.The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- and outreach programs. In turn, CFSC networking ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature offers networking and training among local Fire Safe Councils and Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. opportunities that help the local Firewise Communities in California. For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). groups continue their critical work in In addition to the workshops and v. 30 Dec 15 21 wildfire prevention and preparedness. conferences, the CFSC website is being Fire Adapted Nevada Network of Communities Fire Adapted Communities

LEARNING NETWORK Contact: Tracy Visher [email protected] (775) 851-5180

KEY PARTNERS Nevada Land Trust has firsthand Bureau of Land Management experience Living with Fire Nevada Division of Forestry with fire in the wildland- USDA Forest Service urban interface: We had two major, Working devastating fires literally in our throughout the state of Nevada own back yard, in November 2011 and January 2012. And we worked with residents and local agencies on NETWORK VISION restoration projects following both. We will be active partners in helping communities across the Galena Forest is one of the potential sites for the It is our vision that we be able to first pilot projects of the Nevada Network of Fire state be better prepared in the face of our inevitable wildfires. be active partners in helping other Adapted Communities. Photo: NLT communities across the state be better prepared in the face of the inevitable The latter part of 2015 next occurrence of wildfire. was an important fact-finding phase for our Service about our potential role as a organization as we worked to build fiscal agent and community partner to assist them in achieving their Cohesive the Nevada Network of Fire Adapted Moving forward Communities. We have discovered Strategy objectives. that we can rely on peers in the FAC , in early 2016 we Learning Network to help us speed the are working with the BLM, NDF, the process. We have been able to contact U.S. Forest Service, Living with Fire network members regularly, asking and our local fire officials to refine lots of questions and increasing our our network’s structure and mission. knowledge base daily. In addition to These important investments of Above: Steamboat Creek habitat destroyed by the valuable connections online and by time and partnership-building at the Washoe Drive Fire in January 2012. phone, we attended a useful grant beginning will help ensure that we can Right: Hydroseeding following the November 2011 Caughlin Fire, which introduced the Nevada Land workshop hosted by FAC Net leaders meet the needs of all stakeholders as Trust to fire in its back yard. Photos: NLT in northern California. We also took we move onward. As we work through part in the second annual Nevada State this process, we continue to reach out The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- FAC Network summit and the Cohesive to our FAC Learning Network partners ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature Strategy Summit hosted by the Nevada to better understand all of the models Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. Division of Forestry (NDF). In addition, we may be able to use elements of, For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). 22we met with the NDF, Bureau of Land enabling their lessons to help us build v. 16 Jan 16 Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest a robust network for Nevada. Fire Adapted Washington Fire Adapted Communities Communities Learning Network

LEARNING NETWORK Contact: Ryan Anderson [email protected]

Washington state Initial Member Communities: Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship experienced its Coalition two largest wildfire seasons in 2014 Flowery Trails Community Association and 2015. As a result, wildfire is on Hidden Valley/Swauk many peoples’ minds and is a high Lincoln County Conservation District priority discussion topic in the state. Okanogan Conservation District The Washington Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (WAFAC), We’re hearing the phrase “adapting San Juan Island to wildfire,” and the call for more fire with support from the Bureau of Land Management, facilitates learning Seattle City Light-Skagit Hydroelectric adapted communities is increasing in and provides a means to invest resources in member communities around The Washington Fire Adapted Project the state as well. the state that are working to create fire adapted communities. We provide Communities Learning Network Yakima Valley Fire Adapted participating communities and others with resources to engage with Communities Coalition is others in the network, thereby increasing local capacity and elevating our helping to accelerate this by promoting collective ability to adapt communities’ relationships to the complex fire STEERING COMMITTEE and facilitating in-person discussions issues we face. Bureau of Land Management and webinars, getting FAC issues onto Initial members were selected to represent Washington’s geographic and Department of Defense—Joint Base meeting agendas and websites, and ecological diversity. They also represent a cross-section of community size Lewis McChord by giving presentations. This FAC Federal Emergency Management outreach is coming not only from and organizational structure. This diversity is designed to promote sharing and learning across Washington. Agency the central staff team, but from the Kittitas County Conservation District steering committee and community During the 2015 wildfire season Kittitas County Fire & Rescue members as well. Pacific Northwest Wildfire , Coordinating Group the network interacted with Top: Surviving ponderosa pines, about a year after The Nature Conservancy incident management teams and the 2014 Chiwaukum Fire near Leavenworth. USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Prevention Team Left: The Yakima Valley Fire Districts and the Washington Department of Emergency Yakima Valley Fire Adapted Community coalition #4, took part in various recovery drew people with games to their booth where they Management workshops, met with agency leaders shared information of interest to WUI residents. Washington State Department of and government officials, and gave Photos: Ryan Anderson/SCWRCD Natural Resources presentations at the Wildfires and Us Summit in Wenatchee. Through The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network is supported by Promoting Ecosystem Resil- numerous less formal conversations ience and Fire Adapted Communities Together, a cooperative agreement between The Nature we have also led introduced FAC Conservancy, USDA Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior through a subaward to the Watershed Research and Training Center. concepts onto the discussion list of For more information, contact Michelle Medley-Daniel ([email protected]). state agencies, local governments and v. 16 Jan 16 23 non-governmental entities.

Indexes Actions Taken by FAC Learning Network Members to Address Values at Risk Austin Fire Department Boise Fire Department Chestatee/Chattahoochee RC&D Council Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition Coalition for Upper the PlatteSouth Dovetail Partners FireWise of Southwest Colorado Florida Service Forest Forest Stewards Guild Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership Island Park Sustainable Fire Community Karuk Tribe New Jersey Fire Safety Council Project Wildfire Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative Tahoe Fire &Team Fuels state: TX ID GA WA CO MN CO FL NM AZ ID/MT CA NJ OR OR NV/CA WUI training for fire depts E E S E E E S S E S S

wildfire evacution plan N N N N S S N S E S N S community preplanning and utilitization of ICS N E E E E N S* S S E E N S* local area incident management team E E N E E S S E E E cross-trained local crews N E E N E E E S E E E S

WILDFIRE HAZARD AND RESPONSE mutual aid agreements S E S E E S S S E* S S S

risk mapping N N N S E S S S* S E E S E S

watershed management N S S E S S* N S E S S S COMMUNITY

VALUES AT RISK community assessments

(Non-Residential) E N E E S N E E S S N E S E S E home ignition zone (HIZ) assessments & apps E* N E E S N E E S* S S E S E* RISK engagement with HOAs VALUES AT S S E S S N S* E S S E E E N S RESIDENTIAL KEY S = stable E = expanding N = new * = special expertise Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges in northern NM help train local fire Many FAC hubs provide or assist with home assessments as well as 26 personnel. Photos: M. Meyers/NMSLO; Forest Stewards Guild defensible space projects. Photos:North Lake Tahoe FPD v. 7 Jan 16 FAC Learning Network Members' Resources & Strategies

Austin Fire Department Boise Fire Department Chestatee/Chattahoochee RC&D Council Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition Coalition for Upper the PlatteSouth Dovetail Partners FireWise of Southwest Colorado Florida Service Forest Forest Stewards Guild Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership Island Park Sustainable Fire Community Karuk Tribe New Jersey Fire Safety Council Project Wildfire Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative Tahoe Fire &Team Fuels state: TX ID GA WA CO MN CO FL NM AZ ID/MT CA NJ OR OR NV/CA CWPPs N E S S E S S* S* S S S S E* S S E* hazard mitigation action plan S E S S E S S S N S N S S S CCRs, codes, ordinances E E S S* E E N S PLANS AND REGULATIONS comp plans/ other plans E N S E S E S S S Ready, Set, Go! E E E S N/E E E E N N Firewise S S E S* S E S E N S E S E E N Fire Safe Councils S* N S S E N N chipping program S E S E S* S S S S awareness day/ week N N E N S N S* E E S N S S S S trainings E E S N S E S S S* S N E E E

REDUCTION PROGRAMS prescribed fire & smoke

WILDFIRE MITIGATION RISK E E E S/E E S S E N E N S* other fuel management N S S E S/E E S S N E S* S N S* local WUI tax or fee N* N S vegetation disposal E S E N E N S S S* grant & funding directory S S* N S N S S RESOURCES dedicated FAC staff S S E E E N E S S S KEY S = stable E = expanding N = new

* = special expertise Chipper days are held in communities across the country. FAC Net works with many Firewise communities Photos: Pam Wilson/FireWise of SW CO, Gloria Erickson, Frank Riley/CCRCD Photos: Florida Forest Service v. 7 Jan 16 27 FAC Learning Network Members' Public Outreach & Partnerships Stewards Guild ise of st W ire Austin Fire Department Boise Fire Department Chestatee/Chattahooche e RC&D Council Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition Coalition for Upper the PlatteSouth Dovetail Partners F Southwest Colorado Florida Service Forest Fore Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership Island Park Sustainable Fire Community Karuk Tribe New Jersey Fire Safety Council Project Wildfire Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative Tahoe Fire &Team Fuels state: TX ID GA WA CO MN CO FL NM AZ ID/MT CA NJ OR OR NV/CA FAC regional workshops E N S E E E E E N N S S E N community / public meetings N E E E S E S S S S S E S E E public demos / learning sites E E S S N S E S N E E E S S FAC brochures N E E E N N N N N N S E N E* PSAs, videos N N S N E N E E FAC website / blog N N E E E N N S N N N S E N social media E E E E E E S S S E N E S E N E

PUBLIC OUTREACH AND INPUT outreach plan N N N N/E E E E S E volunteer groups, citizen coalition N N E E N/E S* N E S E E* N FAC LN self-assessment tool N N N E N N N N N N N N E N FAC steering committee E E E S N N N S partner learning exchanges E N E E E N/E E N N N E S state partnerships E E S S S N E E S S E N E S S PARTNERS regional partnerships N E S E N/E E E S S E E E S S national partnerships N E S S N/E E E E E S S KEY Field tours, volunteer work groups and peer- S = stable learning workshops all play a role in outreach, public engagement and E = expanding partnership-building in the FAC Learning Network. N = new Photos: Boise Fire Dept., CUSP, Forest * = special expertise Stewards Guild 28 v. 7 Jan 16 http://fireadaptednetwork.org