RivCo Wilderness Parks Receives Wildfire Mitigation Grant

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Nearly $2 million in grant funds were awarded to the Riverside County Regional Park & Open-Space District in an attempt to reduce wildfire risks in the areas under agency management, the district announced Wednesday.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department provided the $1.9 million under its Fire Prevention Grants Program, according to Marlene Merrill, a district spokeswoman.

The program focuses on mitigating wildfire potential on forested lands, particularly those adjacent to inhabited areas.

Roughly 1,200 acres of space is maintained by the district.

"The award will be put to work reducing flash fuels, creating and improving defensible space around structures and along roadways, removing and thinning dead or dying trees, and conducting vegetation management," Merrill said. "Removal of these fuels will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, which in turn will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon storage and provide benefits to air quality."

District Operations Chief Robert Williams said the grant supports efforts to protect "the communities around parks and reserves by reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires."

"Our project will also preserve Riverside County's natural resources and improve habitat for native species," he said.