Partnerships:

• Idaho Department of Lands (IDL)
• Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Department
• Community partners

Mission Statement

The Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program reduces wildfire risk at the neighborhood and landscape scale by implementing coordinated fuel reduction treatments on private lands. The program prioritizes high-risk areas where community collaboration and strategic treatments can significantly improve wildfire resilience.

Funding Source

• Idaho Department of Lands (IDL)
• State and federal hazardous fuels programs

Funding Percentage and In-Kind Opportunities

• Typical cost share: 90/10 (Grant / Landowner)

Some projects may be funded at 100 percent depending on grant requirements and funding source. Landowner contributions may include financial or in-kind support, where allowed by the grant.

Treatment Options and Methods

Eligible treatments typically include:

• Non-commercial thinning of dense forest stands
• Strategic removal of smaller trees beneath canopy trees
• Limbing lower branches to reduce ladder fuels
• Brush reduction and vegetation management
• Mastication of woody debris
• Chipping and slash treatment

Methods may include:

• Hand thinning
• Mechanical thinning
• Mastication
• Chipping

(Commercial harvesting may occur in limited cases if consistent with grant objectives and landowner goals.)

Contractor vs. Landowner Implementation

Treatments are typically implemented by:

• Qualified contractors selected or approved by the County
• In some cases, landowners may complete limited work, subject to grant requirements and approval by the County, usually covering the in-kind match.
• Project planning and oversight are coordinated by the Valley County Wildfire Mitigation Department.

Application Timeline and Due Dates

• Projects are implemented within defined grant boundaries and timelines.
• Landowner participation is typically solicited through outreach during the grant implementation period.

New grant applications are pursued annually by the County, with award announcements typically occurring 1–2 years after application.