The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has completed planning for the Woodpecker Ravine Phase 1 Shaded Fuel Break Project and initiated removal of hazardous vegetation on more than 300 private parcels. This work, focused along key evacuation routes, will provide first responders with safer access and residents with easier exit during emergencies. “This is an area of extreme high fire risk. It's one of the areas strategic areas around Grass Valley and Nevada City. The more work that gets done, the better for us and for everyone else. We know what the value is, and we welcomed it. This project will make the whole area safer, and slow the fires if there is one,” said Jan Maes, Woodpecker Ravine Resident.
The Woodpecker Ravine Phase 1 Shaded Fuel Break Project was identified as a priority in the CAL FIRE NEU Strategic Plan, the Nevada County Evacuation Study, and the Nevada County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, all part of the County’s Roadmap to Resilience. The project is funded by a $2,178,000 grant from CAL FIRE.
“We've already experienced what happens when the road gets blocked in a winter storm. Getting rid of all this ladder fuel, all this undergrowth is just a benefit to us. We are in our seventies, and I don't know that by ourselves we could ever do this. Getting rid of the ladder fuel and vegetation along escape routes is extremely important,” said Donna Harmon, Colfax Firewise community member.
“We could have limited time. There are multiple ways to get out of this Lower Colfax area, but there are people that live on the side roads that are one way in, one way out. Being able to leave means two things. Safety for you and your family, but also safety for the firefighters,” said Harmon. Over the last year OES has worked with qualified registered professional foresters and environmental consultants to complete treatment design and conduct wildlife, botanical, and cultural surveys across 410 acres. The Board of Supervisors authorized environmental clearance for the project at their May 27 Meeting.
"This project is the outcome of sustained collaboration," said Alex Keeble-Toll, Director of Emergency Services. "CAL FIRE funded this work, and OES organized and is leading the approach. Individual landowners were invited to advantage of the opportunity. It has required an effort at all levels, and we are excited to be at this point."
Live in the Woodpecker Ravine Area?
Qualified vendors have been awarded vegetation treatment contracts to complete fuels reduction activities within the project area. Work began June 2, 2025, and will continue through February 2026. Landowners in the treatment area who have returned signed Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms will receive notification at least one week prior to work beginning on their property. If you received an ROE form in the mail and have not yet returned it, please do so as soon as possible to ensure timely treatment. For more project information and to see if you’re located in the treatment area visit the Woodpecker Ravine webpage: ReadyNevadaCounty.org/WoodpeckerRavine.
