PG&E has given a $1,500 grant to the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County for its residential program to chip fallen branches and tree limbs.
The nonprofit organization has relied on memberships and donations while struggling to keep its chipping program operational.
Many residents are still clearing their property of storm debris from last winter. The chipping program is especially important during fire season.
“We’re proud to partner with Pacific Gas & Electric on our chipping program,” said Joanne Drummond, the council’s executive director. “Their effort to maintain power lines for reliability and wildfire safety is a huge undertaking in our area due to the heavily forested conditions.”
In all, PG&E has provided nearly $20,000 in grants in 2011 to fire safe councils in Northern California:
- Lake County Fire Safe Council
- Mendocino Fire Safe Council
- Yolo Basin Foundation
- Butte Fire Safe Council
- Battle Creek Watershed Conservancy
- Diablo Fire Safe Council
- Mariposa County Fire Safe Council
- Monterey Fire Safe Council
- Fire Safe Marin
- Fire Safe Council of Nevada County
- El Dorado Fire Safe Council
“Fire safe councils play a vital role in educating our customers about the dangers and risks associated with trees and power lines coming in conflict,” said Lisa Randle, PG&E’s vegetation community education program manager.
Learn more about PG&E’s vegetation management program and the utility’s “Right Tree Right Place” campaign.