On Tuesday, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors approved $67,400 to support emergency services through unique projects led by Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, North San Juan Fire Protection District, and Washington Fire Department. Three projects were selected by a local panel: special operations training, installation of an emergency water storage tank and implementation of a “trail stewards” outreach program.
“Each of these awards meets a distinct need brought forward by our local partners. It is great to be able to use the Title III funds in such a dynamic way – to fill gaps in the larger emergency response picture for Nevada County residents,” said Craig Griesbach, Director of Emergency Services.
Projects are funded by Forest Reserve Title III via the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (SRS Act), which was enacted to provide five years of transitional assistance to rural 
counties affected by the decline in revenue from timber harvests on federal lands.
“Nevada County Consolidated Fire District would like to thank the Nevada County Board of Supervisors for approving the allocation of Title III Forest Reserve Funds aimed to further develop the emergency response and capabilities of our fire district when called to manage specialized incidents. These funds will increase the number of our personnel certified as technicians for specific high risk rescue operations such as rope rescue, confined space, swift water, large animal, collapse rescue, and trench rescue,” said Jason Robitaille, Fire Chief, Nevada County Consolidated Fire District.
Nevada County Consolidated Fire District (NCCFD) is challenged by the terrain and unique features of Nevada County which can necessitate tedious rescue scenarios including rope, confined space, swift water, large animal, collapse, and trench rescue. With funding from the Forest Reserve Title III funds, the district will attend specialized trainings to work toward being typed as an OES Type III Urban Search & Rescue and a Type III Swift Water Rescue entity. Nevada County awarded NCCFD $34,300.
North San Juan Fire Protection District (NSJFPD) is anticipating increased wildfire activity within the district boundaries and outlying areas. The district recently passed a “Resolution to Enhance Strategic Water
Storage Throughout the NSJFPD (Resolution 22-04).” With this funding, NSJFPD will install a second 10,000-gallon water tank for emergency water storage, in addition to the recently approved 330,000-gallon water storage tank, 4,200 feet of water main and 10 fire hydrants in the commercial core of North San Juan. Nevada County awarded NSJFPD $18,000 which will be matched by $18,000 in department funds and $3,763 in community in-kind support.
Washington Fire Department (WFD) identified a need to educate visitors on OHV trails on busy holiday weekends, including by handing out maps. WFD will implement an outreach program where volunteers act as “trail stewards.” The funding will also support patrol staff hours for safely transporting people under the influence in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safety of trail users. Nevada County awarded WFD $15,400.
“Over the last few years, our emergency response needs have increased with an influx of people coming to recreate and heightened fire risk. I’m glad to see these funds return to our first responders to support them,” said Chair Hardy Bullock.
