Free Fuel Reduction Workshops for Contractors Scheduled in Eastern WA
News Date: 
January 2, 2024
   

More than $3 million is available for Eastern Washington forest landowners to promote forest health, reduce impacts of wildfire

 
The Southeast Region of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering two free workshops for contractors interested in working on fuel reduction projects with private landowners. Such projects may be eligible for DNR cost-share funding.
 
The program provides benefits to new contractors, including opportunities for existing contractors to learn about changes to the program, meet with a representative from the state Department of Revenue (DOR) regarding taxes, and to gain insight into the program.
 
“This is a great opportunity for contractors to learn how to mitigate fire danger and offer a service that helps clients protect their property,” said Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands. “Now is a great time of year to learn these tools and make these connections, so homeowners are better prepared going into wildfire season.”
 
DNR’s 20 Year Forest Health Strategic Plan prioritizes the forest health and forest resiliency of Eastern Washington forests and reducing the impact of wildfires to our communities. More than $3 million in grants is available annually to forest landowners in Eastern Washington to share the cost of wildfire mitigation work needed on their property.
 
The two workshops offered in Southeast Region will cover:
  • How to get on the DNR list of fuel reduction contractors
  • Information to help forest landowners sign up for funding
  • Tax information from a DOR representative
  • Burning: Permitted and prescribed burns
  • Step-by-step details on how the program works, from setup to payment
  • How to successfully complete forest health and wildfire mitigation work
  • Contact information for DNR service foresters
While this workshop is focused on contractors, anyone from the public is welcome to attend. There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is preferred. Please contact Emily Torrance-Smith at emily.torrance-smith@dnr.wa.gov if you are planning to attend in person, or if you would like access to a virtual option. That link will be sent out on Monday, Jan. 22. 
 
Who: Forest Contractors
 
What: Free Fuel Reduction Contractor Workshop
 
When/Where: 
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 240 35th St NW East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 625 Swift Blvd. Richland, WA 99352
         
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