Wildfire resiliency plans in development for South and Central Cariboo

 Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Editor's Note -- more on this item from "My Cariboo Now" here

The Cariboo Regional District is working with Forsite Consulting Ltd. to create six Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans (CWRPs) in the south and central Cariboo. These plans will identify and assess wildfire hazards on crown land near communities found within electoral areas, assess potential risks and impacts to these communities from wildfires, and provide effective mitigation strategies to reduce hazards and risk. CWRPs are founded on the seven FireSmart Disciplines and applies them to various aspects of wildfire management and risk reduction.

The six Electoral Areas included in this year’s program are:

• Electoral Area D – Commodore Heights/Fox Mountain/Pine Valley/Wildwood/McLeese Lake/Macalister/Marguerite
• Electoral Area E – South Lakeside/Dog Creek
• Electoral Area F – 150 Mile/Miocene/Horsefly/Likely
• Electoral Area G – Lac La Hache/108 Mile
• Electoral Area H – Canim Lake/Forest Grove
• Electoral Area L – Lone Butte/Interlakes

The CRD will be engaging with First Nations, residents, and community organizations as part of the planning process. In addition to other engagement methods, the CRD will host open houses in each of these electoral areas. These open houses will give participants an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and give feedback on draft plans. This input will help shape final decisions and make sure local knowledge is included as part of the plan.

The CRD received a grant of $192,000 from the UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program, which is covering 100% of the costs to prepare these plans. It also intends to apply for the same grant funding next year to complete CWRPs for the remaining six electoral areas in the north Cariboo and Chilcotin.

For more information about the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans and to stay updated on upcoming open house events, visit www.cariboord.ca/wildfireresiliency