The Columbia Basin Trust is investing in wildfire resiliency in several local communities through a partnership with the BC government.
The CBT is administering $1.8 million worth of grants through the Province’s BC Community Resiliency Investment program to support FireSmart programs, fuel reduction plans and more.
Locally, the Regional District of East Kootenay gets $160,000 to hire FireSmart representatives while a $180,000 grant for the District of Elkford will help with wildfire risk reduction efforts.
See more information from the Columbia Basin Trust below:
From educating residents on how to lower the risk of wildfire, to reducing the amount of vegetation that could fuel a fire, there are many ways a community can act to keep the threat of wildfire at bay. Now, 10 communities in the Columbia Basin are undertaking such projects with support of nearly $1.8 million provided through a partnership between the Province of British Columbia and Columbia Basin Trust.
Tailored specifically to the Basin, this program is one aspect of the Province of BC’s Community Resiliency Investment Program. Partners include the Ministry of Forests, BC Wildfire Service and Columbia Basin Trust, which is administering the funding.
“FireSmart activities are a key component to improving the resiliency of communities across BC,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “As we navigate the challenges posed by increasing wildfire risks, supporting funding for communities to engage in FireSmart activities is not just an investment; it’s a commitment to our collective safety and resilience.”
“Communities dedicated to reducing the threat of wildfire are accessing this program to receive the support and project development advice they need to undertake this critically important work,” said Johnny Strilaeff, President and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust. “Their efforts attest to what can be done when we work together, and we thank the Province of BC for its ongoing collaboration with us when it comes to mitigating the risk of wildfire in the Basin.”
The program supports a range of projects. For example, actions may include hiring a FireSmart coordinator, developing plans to treat wildfire fuels, carrying out innovative fuel management activities or providing training on how to do FireSmart assessments. In the program’s first intake in winter 2023, 20 projects received $2.5 million.
To view the list of recently approved projects, click here.
– Article includes information and image from Columbia Basin Trust – Photo:The District of Elkford is reducing the risk of wildfire with support from a partnership between the Province of British Columbia and Columbia Basin Trust.