Deschutes County announces fall grant program to fund community projects that reduce wildfire risk

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- For a second year, Deschutes County invites communities to apply for grants that will provide funding for projects that reduce the risk of wildfire.

The County's Fuel Reduction Grant Program is designed to support specific, short-term projects related to reducing fuels and improving defensible space in Deschutes County.

A total of $70,000 is available to fund fuel reduction projects to reduce wildfire risk in Deschutes County communities.

Preference will be given to communities or neighborhoods that are working to be recognized as a Firewise USA ™ site or are currently recognized as a Firewise USA™ site and are proposing projects consistent with their Firewise action plan and community assessment.

Applicants must be working at the neighborhood or community scale (individual property owners are not eligible) to reduce wildfire risks. A wide range of activities may be eligible for funding, including, equipment rental, supplies needed for community work parties, contracting out roadside chipping, fuel reduction or defensible space, and debris disposal fees.

Deschutes County discourages requests for regular maintenance (i.e. pine needle raking and removal) and ongoing operational funding that cannot be sustained beyond the grant period.

Interested applicants can learn more and ask questions about the grant opportunity by attending an in-person and virtual meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 10:30 a.m., Deschutes County Road Department main conference room, located at 61150 SE 27th Street in Bend.

Please RSVP to Kevin.Moriarty@deschutes.org.

Find more information and an application by visiting www.deschutes.org/fuelreductiongrant.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22.