December 2023 Newsletter
An Exciting New Year
Happy New Year!

This year we are looking forward to building networks of relationships all around the lake; the exchanging of ideas, knowledge, innovation and resources can only make us stronger in the face of wildfire.

IF YOU would like to learn more please contact us at fire@tahoercd.org.
FAC Updates
We've had a busy few months with some beautiful fall weather.

Our partners 'Living with Fire', provided a wonderful opportunity for local contractors to gain certification in Defensible Space at their Defensible Space Training for Landscapers Workshop, November. We are hoping to make this a yearly education opportunity for all community members. A certified contractor list is now available.

Meanwhile, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team partnered with Cal Poly Fuels and Vegetation Education Program for an informative fieldtrip for community members in October and continued with much needed prescribed burning around the Basin.

Finally some great news ! The California Conservation Corps (CCC) will be joining us for workdays next year on a more formal basis. CCCs will be able to sign up for workdays Friday-Sunday to maintain their required volunteer hours gaining meaningful and rewarding experience while assisting our community in the process. We are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with Grant Perkins and his team.
Fuels Treatment Field Trip
Defensible Space Workshop

Fire Adapted Communities
Did You Know?
PRESCRIBED FIRE
Prescribed Fire is one tool of many within the FAC Network that can assist with building momentum in wildfire preparedness.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

To learn more about why we need prescribed burning check out the links below.B
FIREWISE
Firewise USA is another FAC tool that has been put to great use this fall season in the Tahoe Basin. To become Firewise complete the following steps:


  • CREATE an account/login portal under 'Take Action'

  • REVIEW the application step by step within the portal

  • CONTACT Tahoe RCD to review the process- we will also provide you with additional information and assistance

  • MEET with Tahoe RCD and your local fire district to begin the Risk Assessment and Action Plan process- we are here to help

In the Tahoe Basin we currently have 31 Firewise CA sites and growing.
Are you interested in completing a Firewise CA application ? Call us anytime for assistance.
Yes
No
Looking to the Future
COMING UP

WHAT: Coffee Get Togethers

WHERE: On the North and South sides of the Lake

WHEN: Jan/Feb 2024

Come and meet some of the FAC team including Tahoe RCD staff, local fire staff, and FAC (Firewise) Neighborhood Leaders

Learn from one another and review 'Best Practices'
Cheyanne Neuffer-
FAC Community Wildfire Protection Plan Program Coordinator
Cheyanne Neuffer is our Fire Adapted Community CWPP Program Coordinator

Cheyanne grew up in northern Nevada and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Before working at Tahoe RCD, Cheyanne was a Reporter at Tahoe Daily Tribune and Editor of Tahoe Magazine.

She is passionate about conservation and enjoys spending her free time in nature.
Community Involvement
Building on our connections and existing relationships to make a BIG difference:

  • Invite friends to one of our upcoming coffee 'Meet and Greets'
  • Consider taking part in an 'Adopt a Hydrant Winter Program' and keep your community active and involved
  • Assist with Public Outreach at our local schools and have fun while educating the younger generation in FAC
  • Take part in the upcoming FAC videos and extend FAC outreach in our communities

Contact Michelle for more information on any of the above or Firewise: mmclean@tahoercd.org or (530) 543- 1501 ext 114
THANK YOU
To our Fire Adapted Community:

We would like to give a big thank you to everyone who is involved and supportive of the FAC Programming. It has been wonderful to meet and talk with so many of you and we have been inspired by the work that you are all doing in our community.

We look forward to being very busy this coming spring 2024!

The FAC Team
Neighborhood Leader Updates:

  • LEARN more about Firewise by connecting with Tahoe RCD staff, local Fire Districts and Firewise Leaders

  • DIG in and guide our local CCCs and LTUSD students on how to make a difference in their community

  • EXPLORE other neighborhoods and check out the great community events that they have created over the years

  • CONNECT with new home owners in your neighborhood by checking out Zillow listings once a year and dropping off a FAC package to their houses- Go Bags are now available for pick up