U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a new public-private partnership aimed at reducing wildfire risk through a $75 million Stewardship Agreement. This collaboration involves the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the USDA Forest Service, and Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI). The initiative focuses on constructing and maintaining fuel breaks in national forests located in California and Oregon.
Secretary Rollins stated, "Protecting the people and communities we serve is one of our most sacred trusts, and this partnership with Sierra Pacific Industries stands as a testament to that commitment." She emphasized that this agreement would expedite wildfire mitigation efforts significantly.
Forest Service Chief Randy Moore highlighted the expertise brought by Sierra Pacific Industries in addressing threats to forests and towns in these states. "This partnership will leverage our collective expertise to do strategically focused work," he said, underlining its importance for prevention and post-fire restoration.
Mark Emmerson, CEO of Sierra Pacific Industries, expressed gratitude towards Secretary Rollins, USFS Chief Moore, and the Administration for their leadership. He remarked on the significance of creating an interconnected network of fuel breaks to slow fire progression and protect communities: "By strategically linking fuel breaks across both public and private lands, we can maximize their effectiveness in reducing wildfire risk."
The agreement outlines plans to develop shaded fuel break projects over three years in California, extending an existing 2,200-mile network by approximately 400 miles. It also includes provisions for similar initiatives in Oregon.
State and community leaders have lauded this partnership as crucial for enhancing wildfire resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities in California. The locations for these projects were chosen with input from the Forest Service and CAL FIRE to ensure protection of lives, property, water infrastructure, and the environment.
