NEWS RELEASE
SUPERIOR WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP
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Local units of government, Tribes and qualifying private homeowners in all 15 Upper Peninsula counties are eligible for free wildfire risk reduction assistance provided by the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) and the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC).
Wildfire mitigation includes removing small trees, brush and woody debris within 30 feet of a building or public infrastructure. Elderly, disabled or economically disadvantaged homeowners will be prioritized for residential fire mitigation services.
The SWP is asking local units of government, Tribes, community organizations and the Earth Keeper interfaith network to please spread the word about this important free program that is currently funded through 2026.
Removing this flammable material creates a protective buffer around structures and dramatically reduces the risk of damage from wildfires.
While the Upper Peninsula has experienced a relatively wet spring and currently has relatively low fire danger this is the best time to prepare for possible future drought conditions with higher wildfire danger due to a changing climate. Be prepared!
The SWP and the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) will utilize the funding to implement a variety of strategies to reduce the risk of wildfires including conducting property assessments to assess fire risk, clearing defensible buffer space around buildings and infrastructure and developing fire breaks by removing excess brush, small trees and woody debris.
The project incorporates wildfire reduction practices of the national Firewise program (learn more at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire). The SWP will also provide community outreach and education materials regarding wildfire mitigation best practices and assistance in developing community wildfire protection plans.
Jeff Koch, SWP senior field scientist is requesting a basic site map, photos and a brief description if possible. This information can be submitted or by emailing [email protected] or by clicking the "assistance form" button below (https://forms.gle/AcgZeX4rThM25i6C9).
The SWP received wildfire mitigation grant funding through the Cross‐Boundary Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Program ($288,000) and through the Landscape Scale Restoration Program ($124,000). Both programs are funded through the U.S. Forest Service.
The SWP will collaborate with the Ottawa National Forest (ONF), Hiawatha National Forest (HNF) and the Climate Adaptation Task Force (CATF) in prioritizing fire mitigation sites that will receive assistance.
For more information on this three-year program to reduce wildfire risk in the Upper Peninsula, please contact the Superior Watershed Partnership at 906-228-6095 ext.18, [email protected], or visit www.superiorwatersheds.org
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