Uncompahgre Plateau Project Wins Award

MONTROSE, CO— The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior and the National Association of State Foresters have recognized the Uncompahgre Plateau Project in its third-annual National Fire Plan awards program.

"The National Fire Plan, under the President’s Healthy Forests Initiative, is a long-term commitment and investment to protect communities, natural resources, and most importantly, the lives of firefighters and the public," said Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment David Tenny.

“I applaud the award winners for their commitment to improving the health of our forests and protecting communities,” said Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management Rebecca Watson. “Through their efforts they have made our environment safer with active forest and rangeland management.”

The UP Project won an award for its “Excellence in Collaboration” for outstanding teamwork involving public and private partners, and demonstrating innovation and commitment to the key points of the National Fire Plan. The UP Project began as an effort to improve winter habitat for deer and elk, and has since developed into a vision for 1.5 million acres involving both public and private lands. More than 75 partners, including the Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office, have participated in the project, generating over $3.5 million in funding while contributing to the local economy.

The National Fire Plan, under the President’s Healthy Forests Initiative, is a cooperative, long-term effort of the USDA Forest Service, DOI, the National Association of State Foresters and the Western Governors’ Association for the federal government and state partners to manage impacts of wildland fire to our nation's communities. Additional information is available at http://www.fireplan.gov and www.healthyforests.gov

-BLM-