These funds will be used to support wildfire fighting through the purchase of two trailers to fully support aerial ignition unmanned aerial system platforms, including supporting equipment and…

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received a $507,217 Project Grant awarded on July 14, 2025, under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Eastern Region. The award funds comprehensive wildfire management infrastructure and capability development through multiple deliverables: two specialized trailers equipped to support aerial ignition unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms, along with supporting equipment and generators for UAS battery charging; development of policy and procedures for the UAS program; interagency training for UAS pilots; a resource tracking software system integrated into the agency's centralized resource command console for real-time tracking of equipment, personnel, and initial attack resources during active fire incidents; and geographic information systems mapping support for fire landscape delineation and program analysis.

Additionally, the award funds staffing support including a term-limited employee dedicated to UAS program policy development and a geographic information systems specialist (1-year, 2,080-hour position) to support fire program initiatives, as well as training supplies to enhance the fire training program. The project extends through August 31, 2029, reflecting the multi-year implementation timeline required for planning, partnership development, seasonal operations, and staff capacity constraints. These deliverables enhance Wisconsin's wildland fire prevention, preparedness, suppression capabilities, and wildland-urban interface hazard mitigation across state and private lands, supporting state and local fire department mobilization readiness and interagency fire response coordination.

These funds will be used to support wildfire fighting through the purchase of two trailers to fully support aerial ignition unmanned aerial system platforms, including supporting equipment and generators for charging the unmanned aerial system. The funding will also support the hiring of a term limited employee to develop policy and procedures for the unmanned aerial system program and required interagency training for unmanned aerial system pilots. The project supports state and local fire departments with wildland fire prevention, preparedness, suppression, wildland urban interface wildfire hazard mitigation, and hazardous fuels reduction. Funding is also authorized to help conduct preparedness activities, including training, equipping, and otherwise enabling state and local firefighting agencies to respond to requests for fire suppression assistance. Funding provided through this program promotes mobilization readiness for efficient suppression of wildfires on all state and private lands to help maintain resilient forests and promote interagency standards and response to wildfires. This is a multi-year project as the work can't all be accomplished in a single-year due to the planning, partnership, and seasonal work required and limited staff capacity.