National Fire Plan-Wildland Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance

Support the implementation of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and assist at-risk communities from catastrophic wildfires, this initiative provides assistance in the following areas: development and enhancement of local programs focused on risk assessment, planning, training, mitigation activities, and community and homeowner education; planning and execution of fuels management reduction activities aimed at reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires to communities and natural resources in high-risk areas, including associated monitoring and maintenance efforts on federal and adjacent non-federal land; increasing employment opportunities for local and small businesses in rural communities; and delivering education and training to improve the fire protection capabilities and knowledge of rural fire districts. Additionally, authorized restoration services under this section may be provided. All federal land within timber sale projects conducted under this authority shall be included. Projects that include a cost-sharing component or in-kind services will be prioritized for selection. Planning and implementation of fuels management reduction activities aimed at mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfire to communities and natural resources in high risk areas, including associated monitoring or maintenance, on federal land and/or on adjacent nonfederal land; Enhancement of local and small business employment opportunities for rural communities; and providing education and training focused on increasing knowledge and fire protection capability...

State and local governments and communities at risk and communities of interest, as published in the Federal Register/Vol. 66, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2001 or updated Governor-signed list, Indian Tribes, private land owners, public and private education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that manage lands. All selectees must be identified as significant to FWS, deemed by a cooperative agreement, memorandum of understanding, and/or part of an interagency agreement that serves as a clearinghouse for HFR assistance monies. For mitigation activities (projects that are removing hazardous fuels) all work funded must be identified from a signed CWPP or CWPP/E or will be signed by expected funding date.

Criteria used to select assistance proposals are based on their State and local governments and communities at risk and/or communities of interest, as published in the Federal Register or updated Governor- signed list, Indian Tribes, private landowners, public and private education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that manage lands. All selectees must be identified as significant to FWS. For mitigation activities (projects that are removing hazardous fuels) all work funded must be identified from a have a signed CWPP or CWPP/E or will be signed by expected funding date on, and have the ability to reduce the risk from wildland fire to community values and resources, and to increase the capabilities of rural fire organizations, in the vicinity of Fish and Wildlife Service lands.

Fiscal year 2025: Program funded projects that plan and implement fuels management reduction activities aimed at mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires to communities and natural resources in high-risk areas. Fiscal year 2026: Program anticipates funding projects that plan and implement fuels management reduction activities aimed at mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires to communities and natural resources in high-risk areas. This will also include treatment of insect and disease infected trees, hazardous fuels reduction, or any other activities to restore or improve forests, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat.