Free Defensible Space Assistance
Low-income residents who are either 65+ or disabled are eligible for free defensible space clearing services within 100' of their homes. To apply, residents will be asked to supply proof of residency, medical disability, and income. Income qualifications are based on the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development /California Department of Housing & Community Development criteria. This program is funded and managed in cooperation with The County of Nevada, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services ( CalOES), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County, with support from United Way of Nevada County.
California Forest Improvement Program
The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources. This focus is to ensure adequate high quality timber supplies, related employment and other economic benefits, and the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of a productive and stable forest resource system for the benefit of present and future generations.
The program scope includes the improvement of all forest resources including fish and wildlife habitat, and soil and water quality. 90% cost-share assistance is provided to private and public ownerships containing 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a unique cost-share program, known as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. EQIP provides financial incentives to farmers, ranchers and timberland owners that apply approved conservation practices on their properties. NRCS helps to defray the costs by 50-75%. Typical practices in Nevada County include forest thinning and pruning, conversion of brush fields to timberland or range and pasture, irrigation system efficiency improvements, improving livestock distribution through fencing, and wildlife habitat. Since 1997 NRCS has distributed $4.6 million to landowners in Nevada County.
Nevada County Natural Resource Conservation Service works in partnership with the Nevada County Resource Conservation District and is located at 113 Presley Way, Suite 1 in Grass Valley. Office hours are 7:30 - 4:00.
- Pamela Hertzler, District Conservationist, (530) 798-5527
- Evan Smith, Forester, (530) 798-5532
- Kristen Perano, Engineer, (530) 798-5538
- Peggy Holbrook, Farm Bill Assistant, (530) 798-5533
- Maddison Easley, PBCS Partner Biologist, (530) 798-5528