AmeriCorps protects Trout Lake from fire

In 2007, fuels reduction and fire fighter access projects were completed in five Trout Lake neighborhoods, and in 2008 over seven miles of shaded fuel breaks were created around the perimeters of the community.

This summer, seven students and graduates of Trout Lake High School joined two adult leaders in the CWPP to help make Trout Lake homes and neighborhoods fire safe.

In the first week, a fire safety professional oriented the members with methods in firewise fuel reduction. Members were given first-hand knowledge on how to safely and effectively use their tools, as well as what types of properties and species of trees needed the most attention. In the same week, team leaders started assessing high-risk properties and scheduled the team's first jobs.

Throughout the summer, the CWPP team traveled to properties throughout Trout Lake, assessing their risk and making them firewise. On the job members would thin out small diameter trees with handsaws, remove shrubs with loppers, and take out low limbs on larger trees with pole saws.

The team focused their efforts towards fire hazards within 100 feet of the house and other structures as well as towards fire hazards along access roads. This ensured that homes and other building would be safe and that if a wildfire were to hit firefighters could easily access the home.

The removed wood and shrubbery was then stacked in small piles that would either be burned or chipped by the home owners.

Along with removing hazardous forest products, team members would educate homeowners on how to make their homes more firewise, with techniques such as maintaining a well watered lawn and using metal instead of wood roofing.

Homeowners weren't the only ones benefiting from this program. The CWPP provided the high school and college age members with a great summer work opportunity. Members were given a monthly stipend and upon completing the program were also presented with a $1,000 education award.

On top of the stipend and education award, members were able to build leadership skills and, working alongside peers, learn more about working in a team environment.

Members were also able to provide a service for their own community, and witness the changes they made.

The CWPP and AmeriCorps programs such as the Northwest Service Academy -- Mt. Adams Center have been structured to provide services to communities as well as offer job and career development opportunities for youth and adult volunteers.