The Community Protection – Central and West Slope Project undertaken by the Plumas National Forest in response to recent wildfires has taken significant steps this week, with the first decision signed and published. The Spirit G-Z Integrated Resource Service Contract (IRSC) solicitation for bids has also begun.
This project’s initial phase is operating under approved emergency authorization by the Chief of the Forest Service, focusing on the La Porte and greater Mohawk area, including the communities of Graeagle, Blairsden, and Cromberg, and the area southwest of Portola, spanning nearly 70,000 acres.
Forest supervisor Chris Carlton recognized The Plumas National Forest and local communities have faced severe wildfire impacts in the recent years, prompting an urgent need for fuel reduction and forest health restoration to protect mountain towns and residents.
The emergency authorization for the over 200,000-acre Central and West Zone Project was granted just a few weeks ago. The decision-making approach for the Project’s Environmental Assessment has been phased, with this first decision addressing the immediate area’s needs.
Carlton acknowledges the concerns surrounding emergency authority but emphasizes the importance of responding to the wildfire crisis. The Spirit G-Z IRSC treatment plan includes mechanical and manual thinning across 54,000 and 14,000 acres, respectively, with prescribed burning as a follow-up treatment in both areas and as the sole treatment on about 2,000 acres. The focus is on the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) for community protection.
The Plumas National Forest is collaborating with partners, The Great Basin Institute is assisting in the planning and implementation process of this project.
For more information about the Central and West Slope Project and the first decision, you can visit the project webpage on the Plumas National Forest’s Webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/project/plumas/?project=62873.
Photo: Plumas National Forest
