Advancing Nature-Based Solutions For Wildfire Mitigation Efforts
Wildfire season is once again upon us all. Though relatively few have been forced to deal with the trauma of evacuating homes and communities this season, distant wildfires still bring a smoky haze—and diminished air quality—to communities worldwide.
Earth Economics has continued partnerships with local, state, and federal authorities to advance nature-based approaches to mitigating wildfire impacts on people and property while enhancing other ecosystem services that benefit communities. A few recent and notable examples include the following:
Paradise, California
Paradise, California is rebuilding after their town was devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire. The community hopes to acquire and build a greenbelt around the town to serve as a fuel break, slowing the speed and intensity of encroaching fires, and improving access for firefighters to reduce future wildfire risk. The greenbelt will expand park space near the community while improving air quality and aesthetic value, and expanding wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. In December 2020, with support from The Nature Conservancy, Earth Economics helped the Paradise Recreation and Parks Department secure a Capability and Capacity Building Grant for the 2020 FEMA BRIC funding cycle. This grant provides the financial resources to support landowners engagement, park design and engineering, appraisal costs, and preparation of a larger FEMA BRIC grant application in coming years.
Sonoma County, California
Sonoma County has experienced several large, devastating wildfires in recent years, including the 2017 Sonoma Complex, 2019 Kincade, and 2020’s LNU Lightning Complex Walbridge and Meyers Fires. These fires led to the loss of dozens of lives and thousands of structures. In December 2020, Earth Economics worked alongside Permit Sonoma, Tetra Tech, Tukman Geospatial, and The Nature Conservancy of California to conduct a benefit-cost analysis and secure $37 million in FEMA wildfire mitigation funding through the 2020 BRIC program. The project was highlighted by President Biden as an example of innovative wildfire mitigation. The grant will support wildfire planning and wildfire mitigation activities, including hardening structures and critical facilities, fuels management, and establishing defensible spaces, such as natural community buffers. The project is among the first of its kind in the country, and is likely the largest nature-based solution for wildfire mitigation ever proposed.
Oregon State
Western states are struggling to plan for—and pay for—future fire seasons. Oregon has one of the most complex fire funding systems in the country, requiring stakeholders in government, industry, and the broader public to contribute financial and other resources to the prevention, preparation, and response to wildfires. To better understand that system, the Oregon State Legislature asked Earth Economics to document how fire preparedness and suppression are supported on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Earth Economics identified the costs borne by the state’s General Fund and both public and private landowners, and the structure and flows within the State’s fire funding system, including the specific activities supported by each financing source. The project team worked closely with ODF to ensure a comprehensive and accurate representation of the system as it exists today—reviewing and validating data, conducting stakeholder interviews, and engaging a Technical Advisory Group representing diverse perspectives and expertise. The report was presented to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Oregon’s fire management stakeholders now have a clear understanding of fire costs and funders over the past decade—a crucial first step to effective fire management planning.
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