News Release Archive

Reclamation announces mitigation project to reduce wildfire threats in Granite Bay

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: December 28, 2020

CAL FIRE crew begin shaded fuel break project in Granite Bay (photo by Reclamation)FOLSOM, Calif. –The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, has begun construction of a shaded fuel break in the Granite Bay area of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in Placer County. 

Reclamation partnered with CAL FIRE’s Placer Center which provides fire protection and prevention, environmental conservation, land maintenance and emergency response to natural disasters in the surrounding community. The shaded fuel break project will be managed and administered by Reclamation, and project activities will be carried out by the Placer Center fire crews.

“CAL FIRE has been an invaluable resource to Reclamation by providing fire suppression and prevention activities on Reclamation lands throughout California,” said Drew Lessard, Central California area office manager. “We are excited to continue strengthening our relationship by partnering with the Placer Center. This work is critical in mitigating the potential impacts of wildland fire, while protecting natural and cultural resources and improving the safety for the residents of southeastern Placer County.”

The goal is to create a shaded fuel break within the wildland-urban-interface zone on federally owned lands to provide wildland fire protection to neighborhoods adjacent to the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. A shaded fuel break uses a common fuels-reduction treatment. Some of the larger woody shrubs and smaller trees that often cause wildfire to crown and spread quickly from treetop to treetop through the woodland canopy are removed. This strategy helps slow a fire and provides an area where fire crews, engines and air resources can suppress a fire. 

Work began Dec. 15, 2020 and is expected to be completed when project activity goals have been reached for the year. This is a two- to three-year process requiring regular maintenance annually between November-June.

For more information email John Hutchings at jhutchings@usbr.gov or call at 916-540-6350 (TTY 800-877-8339).

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.