Living in the WUI with FIREWISE

1. Living in the WUIwith FIREWISE • ENMU-Ruidoso Campus • February 4, 2014 Leroy Cockrell Little Bear Forest Reform Coalition

2. FIREWISE • National recognition program for subdivisions/communities that take proactive measures to prepare for wildfire

3. FIREWISEVillage of Ruidoso-Forestry Department • FIREWISE is a project of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) • FIREWISE is a nationally recognized program that is usually administered by the State Forestry Departments. • Ruidoso has been a FIREWISE recognized community since 2003 (re-chartered in 2013) • Village of Ruidoso Forestry Department established the Village ordinance (Sec.42-80)

4. FIREWISE • VoR Forestry Department personnel will interact with Village residents and subdivisions to promote FIREWISE guidelines in the Community • New Mexico State Forestry will interact with County residents outside the city limits of the Village of Ruidoso (daniel.ware@state.nm.us) • (www.nmforestry.com)

5. FIREWISE Steps for the Subdivision • Sponsor a neighborhood FIREWISE Task Force Committee that will oversee the FIREWISE Communities/USA program and track its progress and status • Enlist a wildland/urban interface specialist (VoR or State) to complete your neighborhood assessment and create a plan that identifies agreed-upon achievable solutions to be implemented by the community

6. FIREWISE • Steps for the Subdivision (con’t) • FIREWISE committee develops and implements FIREWISE plan which includes: • Composing a letter to the property owners explaining the intentions, benefits and time frame for FIREWISE activities to be completed • Some mention of necessary compliance with Village ordinance (Sec.42-80) is recommended if applicable • May require reminders to property owners via Email or postal mail

7. FIREWISE • Steps for the Subdivision (con’t) • FIREWISE committee reviews progress and contacts VoR Forestry or NMSF authority when ready for re-assessment • The appropriate authority will approve results or suggest additional activity by the homeowners to bring the properties into line with FIREWISE Principles • When complete, the appropriate authority will support the application for the subdivision’s recognition • Submit an annual report to FIREWISE Communities/USA that documents continuing compliance with the program

8. FIREWISE For the Property Owner: • Create a defensible space around the structure (30’-level land, 60+’-sloped land) • Remove dead/dying vegetation • Trim tree canopies to >= 10’ from structure • Remove leaf litter (leaves/needles) from yard, roof and gutters • Relocate firewood, etc. to 30+feet from structure • Remove “ladder fuels” (low level vegetation, wood fences, railroad ties) • Remove excess vegetation along roadway • Wide driveways/roadways can help slow/stop wildfire

9. FIREWISE • Additional Activities for the FIREWISE Community • Observe a FIREWISE Communities/USA Day each year that is dedicated to a local FIREWISE project • Host a chipping day for residents to remove excess vegetation from their property, as well as community property • Hold a pine needle or debris removal day in cooperation with the local fire department • Hold a FIREWISE Education day (Forest Health Expo- April 11-12) that provides information about proper plant and construction choices, introduces local staff, and distributes pertinent FIREWISE information for the community • Create a fuel removal project that enlists local volunteers

10. FIREWISE • Benefits of becoming a FIREWISE Community • Neighborhood becomes a more safe and secure environment • More esthetically attractive properties • Posted FIREWISE approval makes for easier $ales and increased property values • Can result in lowering or sustaining costs of homeowners insurance • And it may save your life, your neighbor’s life and your property!

12. FIREWISE Questions? Discussion? Ahhhh….remember when???