Description
The Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program provides funding to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes with planning and mitigating against the risk created by wildfire. The program has two primary project types: the development and revision of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and the implementation of projects described in a CWPP. Eligible applicants include units of local governments, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, and state forestry agencies. The program prioritizes projects that benefit low-income communities, are located in areas with high or very high wildfire hazard potential, and have been impacted by a severe disaster.
Key aspects of the program include:
• Developing or revising a CWPP to identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction and recommend measures to reduce structural ignitability.
• Implementing projects described in a CWPP, such as planning, wildfire prevention and mitigation education/outreach, and hazardous fuels reduction/fire-adapted ecosystems restoration.
• Collaborating with partners, including support from local governments, landowners, and communities.
• Demonstrating project sustainability and potential for long-term benefits.