Bronson Announces $900,000 Award To Assist In Wildfire Prevention
For Information, Contact:
Gerry LaCavera
Division of Forestry
(850) 921-3733
Gerry.Lacavera@freshfromflorida.com
March 17, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced today that his department has been awarded $900,000 under the federal stimulus plan to conduct wildfire prevention efforts.
The funding, which is being provided by the U.S. Forest Service, will enable Bronson’s Florida Division of Forestry to do prescribed burning to minimize the impact of wildfires, conduct other hazardous fuel reduction activities, and provide community information and education to Florida residents living near high wildfire risk areas.
“We’re very pleased to be chosen to receive this funding,” Bronson said. “It is a tribute to the professionalism and reputation of our Division of Forestry, and the funding will enhance our ability to protect homes and property from wildfires.”
Some of the projects are designed to lessen the density of vegetation by using proven land management techniques, including prescribed burning and mechanical methods such as roller chopping, mulching and mowing. Other projects will focus on providing community information so that residents can learn how to lower their own home and community’s wildfire risk.
Bronson said his agency will work in partnerships with other land management organizations and engage Florida contractors in the project as a key element of the federal stimulus program is job creation.
The funding is exceedingly welcome, Bronson said, as Florida is currently engaged in a tough wildfire season as a result of the lack of significant rainfall throughout the fall and winter.
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