The revised NASP website and it's format are quite easy to use.
I do wish there would be more coverage and a file (don't know right
word for this) regarding a specific topic of national need and service.
The 2001 mandated identification of communities-at-risk of wildfire was ordered for completion by USFS/BLM/BIA.
While the identification process was complete, there seems to be no reporting, perhaps by state for those communities identified.
My own former county of residence (San Bernardino) fell short of the mark. It mostly named municipalities, being short of the communities in a Wildland-Urban Interface with the San Bernardino National Forest. I worked with multiple agencies and we took the number from the 40s to the in the 60s.
Here, in California, being identified as a community-at risk, along with other variables, such as having a Fire Safe Council and Community Wildfire Protection Plan increases the changes of being funded by the state's grants clearinghouse for funds. Most funds are utilized to help mitigate the wildfires from being castrophic to the communities. Additionally, all agencies can cite that x number of communities, in a project application for funding process, lie within the boundaries of a planned mitigation project; be in for hazardous fuels reduction and community involvement. Most projects are in conjunction with agency assistance and support, when community/civilian applications are made.
While it has been years since the original mandate, annual reporting, revisions of your papers on communities at-risk need to occur, in my opinion. Word, possible through the state foresters needs to support full identification and the value of the same. This needs to be disseminated to all fire agencies and communities (even the very small)
I apologize for using this space for suggested changes for the organization, which could have been offered below.
Please have a staff member contact me for a follow-up dialogue. I am a dedicated, respectful, and collaborative activist for the preservation and safety practices regarding wildfire of the conflagration events.
My interest would include having access to organizations and individuals that support communities at-risk identification, CWPP movement, and Firewise Communities. They are all in the interest of following the National Fire Plan, USFS/BLM Fire Plans, those of counties, and cities.
My efforts are in humble, yet concerned awareness of the tragic losses of life and property from the fires that present in conditions that cause extreme heat and damage to our precious wildlands.
In memory of the victims of the Esperanza and Yarnell fire fighter losses.
Respectfully and Apprecitive
Timothy Lange, M.A.
13250 Cholla Road
Whitewater, CA 92282
909-580-0947
email: 4tlange@gmail.com
Please cut and paste to changes to this organization, if possible. Thanks.