The project S mission and goal is to implement the national cohesive wildland fire management strategy and assist communities at risk from catastrophic wildland fires by providing assistance to…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $4,850,000 Cooperative Agreement to the Partnership For Gulf Coast Land Conservation Inc. under the National Fire Plan-Wildland Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance program (CFDA 15.674). The project aims to implement the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and assist communities in the Florida Panhandle at risk from catastrophic wildfires. Key activities include providing assistance to private landowners in Bay County for point protection of homes, storage facilities, and other structures rebuilt after Hurricane Michael. This will involve reducing hazardous fuels through mechanical thinning, mulching, prescribed burning, and other methods to decrease wildfire risk, protect personal property, and strengthen wildfire-resilient landscapes. Outcomes expected from this 5-year project include reduced fuel loads on private lands, reduced wildfire risk, and enhanced community resilience, with regular monitoring to ensure implemented practices are maintained.

The project S mission and goal is to implement the national cohesive wildland fire management strategy and assist communities at risk from catastrophic wildland fires by providing assistance to landowners in point protection for homes, storage facilities, and other structures that have been rebuilt or are in the process of being rebuilt post hurricane michael. The project will serve landowners in the florida panhandle, with a focus on BAY county, and prioritize timber debris removal to reduce hazardous fuels and limit fire behavior. Practices will include, but are not limited to, mechanical thinning and removal, mulching, cut-shear, rake and pile, on-site chipping and haul-off, timber salvage (LOGS), and prescribed fire. Expected outcomes include reduced fuel loads on private property in the florida panhandle, reduced wildfire risk, protection for homes and other personal property, and strengthen wildfire resilient landscapes. Sites will be evaluated for success through regular monitoring to ensure implemented practices are maintained to promote private land protection and community resilience.