$1 million for wildfire resiliency projects

EUGENE: The Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) recently received a $1 million federal grant for the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. The money will be used in partnership with McKenzie Fire & Rescue, Eugene Springfield Fire to support fuel reduction, and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to work on a “landscape-scale” in high-risk areas in the McKenzie River Valley and Eugene’s South Hills.

McKenzie Fire & Rescue has been awarded $325,000 in the funding package. “This grant will be used to assist qualified homeowners in the Cedar Flats and Deerhorn areas, focusing on reducing hazardous fuels within 100 feet of private residences and improving access,” according to McKenzie Fire & Rescue Chief Darren Bucich.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate wildfire hazards believed to be tied to climate change and to support community safety through strategic investments in infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

In Spring 2024, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden secured major investments to strengthen forest health and wildfire resiliency, protect public lands and the environment, secure important programs for Tribes, and support critical projects for communities across the state. The funds came through the 2024 minibus funding package and totaled $42 million. EWEB was one of 28 Oregon community-initiated projects awarded funding thanks to Senators Merkley and Wyden.

$350,000 of the grant is earmarked for EWEB to monitor and manage hazard trees near power lines in high-risk areas. The utility also plans to work with Eugene Springfield Fire and ODF to identify priority areas for fuels reduction in the Eugene South Hills.

The Oregon Department of Forestry will use $325,000 to assist with fuels reduction projects such as land clearing and fuel breaks.

For McKenzie Fire & Rescue, Bucich says the District’s next step is to advertise a bid process and hire a contractor. “Once the contractor is selected, we will compile a list of interested participants. Our goal is to start the project in March or April, continuing as long as funds and fire season conditions permit.,” he said.

McKenzie Fire & Rescue offers free property assessments focusing on reducing hazardous fuels within 100” of the main structure, detached garages, etc., along with safe access (driveways). “What’s amazing about these funds is that we will be able to provide this service free for qualified homeowners.,” Buchich added. “If you live in the Cedar Flat and Deerhorn areas, give us a call @ 541-896-3311, and we will set up a time to complete an assessment of your property.”

“This funding will directly benefit over 150 private landowners and indirectly benefit surrounding landowners. Overall, the mitigation projects on electric infrastructure assets will support a resilient electric grid for all customers,” according to EWEB Senior Project Manager Gina Dally.

In addition, the utility says it plans to manage over 300 miles of electrical lines within the EWEB service area by utilizing new technology for vegetation management practices near power lines. EWEB incorporated this new satellite-based forestry analytics software in 2024 to aid crews in identifying and removing hazardous vegetation growth along EWEB transmission and distribution lines.

“By partnering with local fire agency professionals to establish a successful fuels reduction project on a landscape level, we are effectively supporting the community in these higher risk locations,” Dally said.