Building a Fire-Resilient Valley County
The Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Department applies annually for additional hazardous fuels grants to expand treatment areas across the county. Because these grants are competitive, it typically takes one to two years to determine whether funding is awarded. Grant locations are selected based on two key factors: community involvement and wildfire risk.
By combining individual-level Firewise grants, community-scale hazard fuel reduction projects, and long-term forest stewardship through the Fire Forest Ready Program, Valley County is strengthening its wildfire resilience from the ground up.
Residents and landowners interested in participating in any of these programs are encouraged to contact the Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Department for more information.
Valley County Firewise Grants
Partnerships:
- Valley County Board of Commissioners
- Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Department
- Valley County Fire Working Group
- Community organizations and homeowners
Mission Statement:
The Firewise Grant Program supports individual landowners and community entities in implementing defensible space and home ignition zone improvements. The program aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve community preparedness, and provide equitable access to mitigation funding across Valley County, including areas outside traditional grant boundaries.
Funding Source
- Title III Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds
- Landowner Match
Funding Percentage and In-Kind Opportunities
- Standard cost share: 50/50 (County / Landowner or Community Entity) Reimbursement upon receipts or in-kind match documentation.
- In-kind contributions (e.g., manual labor, volunteer work, community projects) may be used to meet the landowner share.
- Typical award amounts: $500–$2,500, with potential for higher awards for community-wide projects benefiting multiple residents.
Treatment Options and Methods
Eligible treatments include Firewise and defensible space activities, such as:
- Non-commercial thinning of trees and brush
- Removal of ladder fuels
- Limbing lower tree branches
- Brush reduction and vegetation management
- Chipping or hauling woody debris
- Creation or enhancement of defensible space zones
Methods may include:
- Hand thinning
- Chainsaw work
- Mastication
- Chipping
- Home hardening
Contractor vs. Landowner Implementation
Treatments may be completed by:
- Licensed contractors
- Community organizations
- Landowners or volunteers (in-kind labor)
All work must be coordinated with a designated Firewise inspector and verified prior to reimbursement.
Application Timeline and Due Dates
- Application opens: February 1
- Application deadline: April 15
- Project completion deadline: September 1
- Grants are offered annually, subject to funding availability.