Post-fire Recovery

              

Recovering From Fire

In the wake of the August 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fires, the RCD is providing support to those impacted by wildfires in our community. If you have natural resources concerns on your fire-impacted property, please contact Timothy Federal at timothy@sanmateoRCD.org.

 

Funding and Assistance Programs

 

Services We Offer

The RCD is offering these current services related to fire recovery and resiliency in our impacted watersheds:

  • Technical assistance information and site visits to determine resource needs and appropriate actions concerning erosion, riparian areas, forest management, etc.
  • Information and resources will be sent out in our electronic newsletters.
  • Connecting landowners with funding resources available for post-fire natural resource protection.
  • Natural resource permit assistance on a fee for service basis.
  • Free webinar series: Protecting Your Land After Wildfire

Preparing for Winter After the Fire: What Property Owners Can Do

  • You can help by taking simple steps by placing straw wattles, hay bales, and mulch around burned areas to reduce the chances of ashes and other material from washing into streams. Be sure that these are certified weed free so that you don’t infest your natural area with weeds.
  • Remember that everything that is outside drains to creeks and streams. Don’t use leaf blowers or hoses to remove ash and debris.
  • Get help from professionals who are certified, registered and/or licensed before selecting and installing large, permanent or semi-permanent treatment measures.
  • Wear protective gear whenever you work in burned areas.
  • Watch for unusual movement of water, land, and debris during or after rain, particularly if your property is on a hillside.
  • Have an emergency plan and leave your property if it becomes unsafe during or after a storm.
  • Minimize soil and slope disturbances. Ash, leaf drop, downed trees and remnant burned vegetation all play a role in protecting the soil and slopes following wildfire.
  • Work with your neighbors. Runoff, erosion & debris flows have no boundaries.
  • Private roads require more maintenance in the first few winters following wildfire. Clear debris upstream of culverts as possible, and check culverts for clogging after every storm. If culverts or other road drainage structures do not appear to be functioning properly, consult a professional.

Resources for Homeowners and Landowners

Fire Recovery: Other Helpful Information for All Properties
NRCS After the Fire Fact Sheets: Preparing Your Property for Winter
Resources for Fire-damaged Forests and Oak Woodlands (all NRCS, UCCE, Cal Fire sources)

Funders:

  • San Mateo County
  • NRCS
  • Resources Legacy Fund
  • Private donors

 

RCD Contact: Timothy Federal