RBC to complete wildfire plan

In collaboration with the public and a broad range of stakeholders, Rio Blanco County will complete a community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) and countywide addressing project by December 2012.
The goal of the community wildfire protection plan is to address local forest and range conditions, identify values-at-risk, develop notification and evacuation procedures and prioritize projects for mitigating risks. A CWPP is developed collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies along with citizen input and is funded under the federal Title III of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.
The goal of the addressing project is to utilize the latest GIS/GPS (Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System) technology that will create a database of accurate information for multiple uses within the county. This includes emergency response tools for the RBC Dispatch Center and other public safety entities and accurate addresses for the Rio Blanco (RBC) County Assessor, Building, Planning and Road and Bridge departments. These tools will also provide a foundation for the Next Generation Emergency 911 system.
By completing this project the county will have enhanced its ability to receive future community assistance and fire mitigation grants to implement mitigation efforts identified in the plan.
Throughout the remainder of 2012, contractors will be working to collect information for these projects and will be conducting public meetings where citizen participation and input is desired. For more information about this project, please contact: John Hutchins, Rio Blanco County emergency manager, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-878-9600.