Eugene, OR – The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) and several local agencies are set to bolster wildfire resilience in the region with the help of $1 million in federal funding. The funds, which were secured by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, are part of a broader $42 million investment aimed at strengthening Oregon’s preparedness for wildfires and promoting forest health.
In a joint effort with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), McKenzie Fire and Rescue (MFR), and Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF), EWEB will direct its share of the funding toward projects designed to reduce wildfire risks and protect critical infrastructure. The money will be used to address fuel reduction and tree monitoring efforts, particularly in high-risk areas such as the lower McKenzie Valley and south hills of Eugene.
EWEB plans to allocate $350,000 toward monitoring trees near power lines, identifying areas that are most vulnerable to wildfire damage. The goal is to ensure that potential threats to electric infrastructure are minimized, supporting the resilience of the region’s power grid.
“We will be working to reduce wildfire fuels in areas close to power lines, monitoring for hazards, and making sure that our electric grid remains safe and resilient,” said Gina Dally, Senior Project Manager at EWEB. “These efforts will directly benefit over 150 private landowners and indirectly benefit others in the surrounding areas.”
The Oregon Department of Forestry will receive $325,000 to carry out additional fuels reduction projects across the region, while McKenzie Fire and Rescue will use its $325,000 allocation to improve accessibility for first responders and assist landowners with mitigating wildfire risks on their properties. McKenzie Fire and Rescue Chief Darren Buccich emphasized that the initiative will not require any out-of-pocket expenses from residents.
“This is essentially free labor for residents,” Buccich explained. “We’re bringing in professional contractors to complete the work. All residents have to do is contact us, schedule an assessment, and see if they qualify for the services.”
The funding is expected to have far-reaching benefits, both for wildfire preparedness and for year-round power grid stability. According to Aaron Orlowski of EWEB, the tree management efforts will help safeguard against not only wildfire risks, but also other weather-related threats like strong winds and ice storms, which can also cause trees to topple and damage power lines.
“This kind of treatment work really offers year-round benefits,” Orlowski said. “It helps address conditions where extreme winds or heavy ice weigh down the vegetation and potentially damage the electric infrastructure.”
This collaborative effort highlights the ongoing importance of wildfire prevention, as the region continues to face increased threats from wildfires and extreme weather. The funding will also enhance the overall safety and resilience of public lands, environmental protection, and critical services for local communities.
