Meeting Summary
The city council held a conference to discuss the proposed Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), presented by Shala, an Oklahoma City-based firm. The plan identifies high-risk areas within the city limits, outlines strategies for vegetation management, community education, and infrastructure protection, and is essential for securing state and federal grant funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. The discussion highlighted the importance of interagency coordination and proactive measures to protect the expanding urban-wildland interface.
Financial Matters
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Grant Funding
Discussion on the necessity of securing state and federal grants to fund the implementation of the CWPP, including vegetation reduction, defensible space education, emergency response capacity building, and infrastructure protection. Costs for mastication were cited at $600-$900 per acre, while prescribed burning was noted as more cost-effective. A target range of $3-5 million for a project of this size was discussed for future grant applications.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Submission of grant proposals for CWPP implementation.
- Development of specific fuels management plans for identified high-risk areas like Canadian River and Lake Thunderbird.
- Potential updates to zoning, building codes, and engineering design criteria to incorporate wildfire mitigation standards, especially for new developments.
- Continued engagement with utility companies and builders regarding wildfire-aware development practices.
- Collaboration with the Absentee Shawnee and Potawatomi tribes on mitigation efforts.
Announcements
- The Norman Fire Department has achieved an improved ISO rating of 1/3 (urban/rural), reflecting enhanced equipment, water capacity, and auto-aid agreements with neighboring departments.
- State legislation regarding red cedar mitigation funding was mentioned as a potential future resource for private landowners.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding community wildfire protection plan
Presentation and discussion of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) developed by Shala, focusing on identifying wildfire risks, mitigation strategies, and the importance of the plan for securing grant funding.