This hazardous fuels reduction project implements coordinated, cross-boundary wildfire risk mitigation treatments on non-federal lands adjacent to national forest system lands

The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska received a $235,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) under the State & Private Forestry Hazardous Fuel Reduction Program (CFDA 10.697), awarded September 16, 2025, with completion targeted by September 30, 2028. The award funds a coordinated, cross-boundary wildfire risk mitigation project implementing hazardous fuels reduction treatments on non-Federal lands adjacent to National Forest System lands in a 10,560-acre mountain community in Nebraska.

The project addresses catastrophic wildfire risk in a recreational/seasonal residential community comprising 836 property parcels owned by 710 individual landowners with 225 existing structures. The University of Nebraska will deliver fuel reduction planning, implementation support, and technical assistance to coordinate mitigation treatments across this large, geographically dispersed community. The project exemplifies the program's focus on reducing hazardous fuels in forests and woodlands on private land where activities directly benefit adjacent Federal forest resources, with implementation expected within the grant period through September 2028.

The project area is a large mountain community that encompasses an area of approximately 16.5 square miles or 10,560 acres. The community was developed primarily for recreation and seasonal use cabins or second homes. There are 836 property parcels and 710 individual landowners. Tracts vary in size from 5-80 acres, with 225 structures currently in the project area.