A report released this week from the University of Colorado at Boulder suggests that federal land managers focus too many wild-fire prevention efforts in remote areas. The study says that only 3% of fire prevention projects between 2004 and 2008 occurred around towns along the edges of wildlands. The researchers say this leaves communities exposed to wildfires.
However, Arizona stands out among the 11 states studied. Arizona has the most fuel reduction projects near communities. State and federal agencies say they have worked with towns and homeownners to clear fuels and create defensible spaces necessary to steer wildfires away from people.
The Tonto National Forest is currently treating almost 8,000 acres of mostly public land near Payson with money from the federal stimulus package.
No comments:
Post a Comment