KALISPELL, Mont.-Communities in the Glacier Gateway area considered to be at high-risk from wildfires have been awarded a Community Wildfire Defense Grant.
The $10 million CWDG was awarded to the communities of Columbia Falls, Coram, Hungry Horse, Martin City and West Glacier to better mitigate their risk against wildfire, according to a press release on the funding.
The funding was announced by Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC), Montana West Economic Development (MWED) and the Flathead National Forest, who have partnered to create the Fire Safe Flathead group, with the goal of creating fire safe communities.
“In addition to funding 3,523 acres of fuel reduction and enhancing the overall safety of area residents, this $10M project is dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities, making it an excellent fit for the work we do at MWED,” said Christy Cummings Dawson, President and CEO of MWED.
MWED will now work with landowners in the Glacier Gateway to assess property, create defensible space and build fuel breaks, according to today’s joint press release.
Vegetation management crews with the FEC will remove hazardous trees and other vegetation along the utility right-of-way, while also improving electric infrastructure as part of the five-year project funded by the grant.
Glacier Gateway residents can apply for forestry assistance through MWED’s website.
