By Nevada County District 2 Supervisor Robb Tucker

Wildfire season is fast approaching, and now is the time for each of us to take personal responsibility in preparing our homes and neighborhoods.

One of the most widely used and appreciated programs we offer each year is the Free Community Green Waste Drop-Off. It’s a simple and practical service that allows residents to dispose of landscape trimmings, brush, and other green material that might otherwise pile up and become a fire hazard. These events are a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together—whether it’s through government agencies, fire districts, or community members like you.

Drop-off will be available every Monday from April 28 through May 26 (Memorial Day) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station (14741 Wolf Mountain Road, Grass Valley). You can bring leaves, small logs, shrubs, untreated wood, and more—as long as it’s under four feet in length and no wider than 18 inches in diameter.

There are some important restrictions: no food waste, blackberry vines, poison oak, treated or painted wood, or construction debris, among others. Please make sure to bring proof of residency and know that commercial vehicles aren’t allowed. Firewise Communities can even request a green waste bin for their neighborhood—just reach out to Office of Emergency Services (OES) staff member Ricky Martinez at Ricky.Martinez-IGS@NevadaCountyCa.gov to learn more.

Another key project getting underway this season is the Woodpecker Ravine Phase 1 Shaded Fuel Break Project near Alta Sierra. This CAL FIRE-funded effort will treat over 410 acres of hazardous vegetation on private property, helping to create a safer buffer around nearly 400 homes. Even more importantly, the treatment area safeguards critical community infrastructure—eight fire stations and 14 schools are located within just two miles. This project is an investment in the safety of our neighborhoods, our schools, and the first responders who serve us.

I also want to make sure folks are aware of another important effort: the Critical Evacuation Route Microgrant Program. This program is designed for community-based groups that want to clear hazardous vegetation along private roads—those narrow, often overgrown routes that can become dangerous or impassable during a wildfire evacuation.

If you’re part of a Firewise Community, Road Association, HOA, school, non-profit, Tribal group, or local agency, you may be eligible to apply. Applications open April 28 and close June 12, 2025. Funding requests can range from $10,000 to $60,000, with a required 1:1 in-kind match. Projects must be located in Nevada County (not on federal land) and focus on improving emergency access and evacuation safety.

In May, OES will be sending out the Ready Nevada County mailer. Keep an eye on your mailbox—it’s packed with helpful resources and information on how to harden your home and create defensible space. You can also pick up the annual Ready, Set, Go! Guide booklet with additional resources, checklists and more at any local library branch or fire district office.

In addition, OES is currently asking residents to share how they prepare for emergencies. If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to complete their short preparedness survey—your feedback helps improve the programs and resources available to all of us. You can find it at https://forms.office.com/g/kKLrXBenw3.

The reality is none of us can prevent wildfire on our own. But each of us can take steps—like removing flammable vegetation, clearing evacuation routes, and staying informed—that add up to a more prepared community.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or ideas about how we can continue to improve wildfire preparedness.