BLM and Partners to Discuss Defensible Space Project in Johnny Creek
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
IDAHO FALLS, ID – High Country Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area, Inc., has been working with residents in Johnny Creek to make their homes more defensible against wildfire. Work was completed on three homes last fall. So far, five more homes are scheduled for work this summer. The project has been made possible through funding and cost sharing between the Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and High Country RC&D.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 11:00 A.M.
WHERE: 4801 Kim Drive, Pocatello
BACKGROUND: In 1987, a wildfire burned numerous homes in the Johnny Creek drainage. Following that incident, homeowners and area wildfire protection agencies began to see the need to increase defensible space around homes in the wildland urban interface (WUI). Most recently, the 2012 Charlotte Fire burned nearly 70 homes and threatened many more. Educating homeowners on what that means and how to do it is an important focus for fire protection agencies.
VISUALS: Homeowners will be on hand to discuss changes and improvements to their properties. Community members from the Johnny Creek Firewise Community and personnel from High Country RC&D, BLM, and Pocatello Fire Department will also be on hand for interviews. A sign was recently installed in the area to explain the project and its impact. Photos of the site prior to treatment can be made available to interested media.
RSVP: Jesse Bender (208)534-1238
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.