Summary

Red River is a small community taking big actions to respond to the wildfire threat. The one response that stands out is the town's willingness to absorb the 30% cost-share of the 20 Communities Cost-share Program. This strategy provides a large number of private property owners with the means to create a fire safe area around their homes and allows the town to make continuing progress in their wildfire mitigation plan. Additionally, Red River designed landowner participation into the 20 Communities Cost-share Program. The Red River program allows homeowners to participate in developing the management plan to thin their property. Allowing homeowner involvement gives them ownership in the project.

The primary strengths of Red River's wildfire response plan are linked to their efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and suppression/prevention. Red River takes full advantage of National Fire Plan Community Assistance monies available to assist communities in reducing the wildfire threat. Backed by these grants, the town, with the help of USFS and NMSF, has made enough progress in their Strategic Plan to warrant a review and update.

The biggest challenge for Red River is utilization of debris and workforce issues. No one can dispute that Red River will have on-going fuels reduction projects for years to come. Right now there are more acres to thin than contractors to do the work. Demand for contractors may come around as the market adjusts. However, Red River's inability to find affordable contractors places a heavy burden on town resources. Developing a reliable and competitive workforce would take some of the pressure off the town and allow resources to be used elsewhere.

Finding a viable market for debris taken from project areas is another challenge. If the agreement with Eastside Energy works out, the town can recover some the funds spent on slash removal. However, that arrangement has yet to go forward.

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