Healthy Forests Initiative - Fact Sheet

Making A Difference
Nebraska National Forest - Nebraska

The Chadron Creek Fuels Reduction Project encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of thinning and prescribed burn treatment areas. The intent of this project was to reduce hazardous fuels in the urban interface. The project is currently ongoing. In FY 04 the Forest contracted for 510 acres to be thinned. Work is in progress to prepare approximately 425 acres for prescribed burning this fall or late summer. The location of the project is near the community of Chadron, NE; near homes along U.S. Hwy 385. Partners on this project include the State of Nebraska Forest Service (working with private landowners). Planning is completed and input came from the local volunteer fire department, county commissioners, public and affected landowners.

The Forest is also currently working on contracting 570 acres through the stewardship contracting authority as part of this project. The contract is a “goods for services” contract. (Timber for thinning work). The district plans to also initiate a project in Bordeaux Creek this fall another fuels reduction project that will utilize the Council on Environmental Quality environmental assessment under the Healthy Forests Initiative. The Bordeaux Creek project consists of approximately 20,000 acres and will include hazardous fuels reduction, healthy forest improvements and prescribed burns.

It is too early to know if there are cost benefits using the goods for services stewardship contracting authority or new guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality on environmental assessments. We have experienced increased economic costs associated with higher levels of coordination with partners.

Key contacts for this project are Charlie Marsh or Diana McGinn, (308) 432-4475.

For more information on the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 and the Healthy Forests Initiative, visit www.healthyforests.gov

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