El Dorado Hills, Calif. – June 28, 2024
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has solidified a new long-term agreement with El Dorado County to mitigate wildfire risks near communities bordering BLM-managed public lands. This initiative will commence with a $100,000 investment from the BLM this year, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“While the initial funding for these projects is being provided by BIL, additional funds and in-kind partnership contributions may also be added in the future,” stated Chris Heppe, Central California District Manager. “As this partnership flourishes, the BLM is excited to coordinate across land ownership boundaries and leverage additional funding for project implementation.”
The agreement encompasses projects aimed at creating defensible space around homes and structures on private properties adjacent to Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, including the Pine Hill Preserve and the North Fork Cosumnes River. Other key initiatives include expanding strategic fuel breaks, conducting wildland-urban interface fuels reduction treatments, and implementing community outreach and education programs.
Over a five-year span, this cooperative agreement could channel up to $10 million in investments from various sources. The initial funding also supports the appointment of a Firewise Community Coordinator, who will assist fire safe councils and communities in establishing and maintaining their Firewise USA site status.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated up to $1.5 billion for the Department of the Interior nationwide to bolster preparedness, fuels management, post-fire restoration, and fire science. To date, the Department has directed over $23 million in California to support BLM wildland fire projects, aiming to develop and sustain “fire-adapted community” programs, protect natural resources, enhance infrastructure, and ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors.
These efforts also align with the Inflation Reduction Act, directly supporting the Department of Interior’s priorities to invest in America’s infrastructure related to wildfire preparedness and hazardous fuels management.
For more details on the BLM’s initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit www.blm.gov/infrastructure.
the Pine Hill Preserve and the North Fork Cosumnes River
