US Forest Service Awards Funds To Alaska For Firefighting and Wildfire Prevention Measures

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Juneau, Alaska

More than $3 million in federal funds were awarded by the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska in FY 2010 to help the State sustain urban and rural forests, and to protect communities from wildfires, insects, diseases and invasive plants. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources received more than $3.4 million of the federal funds this year.

The Alaska Region Forest Service's State and Private Forestry program distributes the funds. The funds are typically used for fuel thinning, firefighting efforts, insect and disease control and overall forest management activities on state and private lands. The Forest Legacy program is also funded by these monies provided by the Forest Service. Legacy funds allow states to purchase environmentally significant, at risk forested land from private owners to preserve it from development.

"These funds are crucial to most states' fire fighting and preparedness efforts," said Forest Service Regional Forester Beth Pendleton. "They enable the state to provide funds to volunteer fire departments, community Fire Wise planning, for pruning and thinning projects, and for forest health issues. In the past, the Forest Legacy program enabled the State of Alaska to preserve critical, key pieces of forested land near Fairbanks and in the Wood Tikchik State Park north of Dillingham. This year's funds will be used to purchase land near Denali."

Of the over $3.4 million that Alaska received this year, nearly $2 million was provided for fire-related efforts; over $800 thousand was provided for forest health, urban forestry and stewardship; and $675 thousand in legacy funds were provided.

State and private forested lands cover approximately 490 million acres across the country. These lands provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, open space and about 70 percent of the nation's wood supply. The State and Private Forestry program provides assistance to owners of these lands to better manage their land and to provide local public benefits.


Author:US Forest Service Press Release