Late in 2002 the MCFSC was made aware that Federal funds would be made available for abatement projects within communities at the edge of the National Forest in areas where the USFS had either created or had plans to create fuel breaks or thinning operations. Friday, June 11, 2004 the MCFSC held a public meeting in the Town Hall in Idyllwild to introduce the South Ridge Project to property owners in that area.
In consultation with both the CDF and the USFS we laid out the areas we needed to concentrate on first, then designed three specific areas where private properties needed to be abated in order to stop a fire that might be coming up-hill toward the Idyllwild-Pine Cove area. All of the project areas as designed along the juncture of the community and the San Bernardino National Forest. In addition, the three project areas are designed around three watersheds up which fire could easily travel.
South Ridge Project (slightly misnamed as South Ridge is actually a bit east of this area): The South Ridge area, as identified, extends from the tip of Inspiration Point, at the westerly end of Double View Drive to the eastern edge of the Saunders Meadow project. The project is designed to protect the community from fire coming up the watershed formed by Dry Creek.
If you own property in this project area and would like to participant in this program, please call the MCFSC office immediately at 951-659-6208 (Nov. 2004).
