State to get $3.7 million for forest fire prevention

Tuesday, June 24, 2003 | 9:04 a.m.

The Nevada Division of Forestry will receive almost $3.7 million from the U.S. Forest Service that will be used for fire prevention measures, conservation programs, forest health management, and other programs, officials announced Monday.

"This is the largest single grant ever secured by Nevada for this purpose," Gov. Kenny Guinn said in a state forestry division press release. "The bottom line is, Nevadans will be safer in their homes and natural resources will be conserved because of this congressional and Bush Administration effort to meet the long-term causes of wildfire."

A portion of the federal grant will go to rural communities, private landowners, non-profit groups, and local and volunteer fire departments, to help pay for projects including fuel reduction, re-seeding of burned areas, and training, according to the statement.

Some money will also help pay for defensible space projects in Kyle and Lee canyons where fire danger has increased because of new home construction and recreational use, the statement said.

Bob Vaught, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest supervisor, was quoted as saying the grant will greatly benefit Nevada.

"This important grant funding further strengthens our collective fire suppression and forest health capabilities statewide," he said.