A multi-agency fire protection project is now underway to remove potential fire hazards in high-risk fire sections on the American River Parkway. The work, which kicked off on Nov. 29, is funded by grant money and will take place on Regional Parks property adjacent to homes and subdivisions.

“Until this grant money was secured, there had not been adequate resources available to improve the level of fire protection in these high risk areas,” said Steve Flannery, Chief Ranger for County Regional Parks. “The primary objective of this project is to reduce the risk of fire burning up into the tree tops because canopy fires are often destructive, fast moving, and difficult to control. Lower tree branches will be limbed up to eight feet, ladder fuels, such as vines, will be cut, and dead wood will be removed from the fire break area.”

The Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps received the grant for reducing fuel loads along the American River Parkway and its urban/suburban borders. These include many areas that have been identified by the Metropolitan Fire District as high risk fire areas for homes and properties bordering the Parkway. High priority fuel reduction areas include the bluffs along Ancil Hoffman Park, Sacramento Bar, and Sailor Bar, as well as in the ravines behind the homes of the Natomas Heights and Rollingwood subdivisions.

The project goal will be to improve fire safety along the Parkway borders while maintaining its natural character. No healthy trees are expected to be removed. All work will be completed under the guidance of Regional Parks and Metropolitan Fire District personnel.
Over the next year, when Conservation Corps crews are in the area, park users and nearby homeowners may see and hear crews using hand-tools, including chainsaws and a wood chipper. Signs will be posted and homeowners will be notified in advance of firebreak work.

If you have any questions, please contact Regional Parks at 916-875-6672 or visit www.sacparks.net.

Disclosure: Annie Parker is a Communication and Media Officer, employed by the Sacramento County Municipal Services Agency.