The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is launching a microgrant program to remove hazardous vegetation along critical evacuation routes. OES is utilizing United States Forest Service grant funds secured through a Congressionally Directed Spending request to stand up the program.
The priority of the Critical Evacuation Route Hazardous Vegetation Removal Program is to have qualified applicants develop a project proposal aimed at improving evacuation route safety. This program is intended to co-facilitate an initial treatment and lower costs for ongoing landowner maintenance. Improving evacuation routes will allow residents to evacuate quickly in the event of a wildfire and permit first responders to conduct wildfire suppression activities.
“This is an opportunity for community-led organizations to design a wildfire mitigation project and promote resilience within their neighborhoods and communities” said Alex Geritz, Office of Emergency Services, Forestry Project Manager.
This program is being offered to community-based groups such as Firewise communities, road associations, homeowner associations (HOAs), local agencies, Tribal groups, schools, and non-profit entities. Preference will be given to projects occurring on privately maintained roads. Only one application will be accepted per organization/entity. Requests for funding must be between $10,000 and $60,000 not including the applicant’s in-kind match requirement. The application portal is open for 60 days starting April 28, and proposals are due by June 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Due to federal spending limitations, the award date for successful applicants is yet to be determined. Awards and contractor assignments will follow pending the release of federal funds, with implementation anticipated for 2026.
OES is offering Virtual Office Hours for application guidance:
• Program Overview – May 2, 2:00 p.m.
• Budget & Match – May 9, 2:00 p.m.
• Project Mapping – May 13, 12:00 p.m.
• Open Q&A - May 16, 2:00 p.m.
For Virtual Office Hours links and additional program information visit ReadyNevadaCounty.org/CriticalEvacMicrogrants.
