Wildfire Preparedness
Some rural properties in Baker County have been designated “Wildland Urban Interface” (WUI). Landowners in WUI areas are required to meet management standards designed to reduce wildfire risk. The east face of the Elkhorn Mountains above Baker Valley is one of those areas designated WUI.We encourage wildfire awareness, preparedness, and adaptation by preparing individuals, families, homes, and properties for the realities of fire through education and outreach, supporting Firewise Community development, and assisting with fire risk reduction projects.
Wildfire Risk Reduction
Hands-on projects help interns and landowners understand practical strategies for reducing wildfire risk around rural properties.
Mitigation of Risk Tree Management
Interns learn how to properly evaluate wooded areas and identify ways to reduce fire risks. They prune trees to 2–3 feet on saplings and 6–8 feet on mature trees to help reduce the likelihood of fire reaching the crowns of trees.
Interns also remove woody material and organize it into slash piles. At the end of the internship, they return to each property to remove the remaining woody materials.
Through this hands-on work, interns gain practical experience in evaluating properties, managing vegetation, and helping mitigate wildfire risk.
Fuel Reduction
2021 and 2022 Interns cleared out regeneration trees that covered the Anthony Lakes Ski Resort. This helped manage fire danger as well as provide a service to the community. Bolstering tourism and recreation is a huge benefit to our organization.
Wildfire Preparedness Sponsors
This work is strengthened through partnerships with local organizations working to build safer, more prepared communities.