Grass Valley, CA. December 2, 2016 – The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (FSCNC) has seated a new board of directors for the 2016-17 year to attain their mission of reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the community. All directors are volunteers who commit to giving their time and expertise to developing landowner assistance programs and projects to help make Nevada County safer from wildfire while creating healthier forests.
The FSCNC is a local non-profit, volunteer based organization working to reduce the impacts from wildfire through education on how to create defensible space, formal fuel reduction projects, and creating nationally recognized Firewise Communities/USA®. By providing this education and various landowners assistance programs, the Council aims to help residents live a Firewise lifestyle. For those unable to create defensible space themselves, a Special Needs Assistance Program helps low-income seniors and/or disabled citizens clear defensible space free of charge.
The board welcomes new directors, Eric Trygg and Certified Public Accountant, David Walker. Mr. Trygg is well known to the community through his work with the Grass Valley Rotary Club, UC Master Gardeners, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation among many others. David Walker has also been heavily involved in community service, serving with Gold Country Telecare, Penn Valley Community Church board and Nevada County 4-H over the past ten years. The Tahoe National Forest appointed Jecobie Waters, District Fuels Officer to also serve.
Rick Nolle, Broker, with Century 21 Cornerstone Realty was re-elected as Chairman of the Board. Barry Dorland with Patterson Fire Equipment was elected as Vice-Chairman, Dennis Cassella returned as Secretary and David Walker was seated as Treasurer.
Other volunteer directors include: Gretchen Bennitt, Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District; Peter Beesley, Pacific Gas & Electric; Crawford Bost; Bill Drown, Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Council; Jeff Dunning, Allstate Insurance; David Hanson; Bill Houdyschell, Tahoe Donner Association; Sean Griffis, CAL Fire; Warren Knox; Jerry Martinez, Bureau of Land Management; Chief Don Wager, Penn Valley Fire District representing the Nevada County Fire Chief’s Association; Donn Thane, retired fuels specialist; and Hank Weston, Nevada County Supervisor with Richard Anderson, County Supervisor as his alternate. This dynamic team of professionals and residents represents a cross section of the community with a vested interest in wildfire mitigation efforts.
For more information on the council visit www.areyoufiresafe.com.