Stakeholders develop wildfire protection plan
The Mineral County Resource Coalition developed a core group to work on the updates needed in the Mineral County Community Wildfire Protection Plan update. The group has been working with other agencies using the most current information available to bring this plan up to speed for the 2025 season. The public is invited to hear the adjustments and make comments tomorrow evening at the St. Regis Community Center from 4 to 6pm where dinner will be served. (Picture provided by Emily Park)
In response to increasing wildfire risks, Mineral County has contracted SWCA Environmental Consultants to work in collaboration with the Mineral County Resource Coalition and other stakeholders to develop a Mineral County Community Wildfire Protection Plan update.
Mineral County Resource Coalition has put together a core team that is implementing critical updates to its protection plan with changes aimed at bolstering fire prevention and improving community safety. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan serves as a collaborative roadmap for wildfire mitigation efforts, and recent updates that have been tailored to reflect the unique challenges Mineral County faces as wildfire seasons become longer and more intense.
Emily Park, Montana State University Extension Agent for Mineral County, emphasized the importance of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan as a living document that must adapt to evolving conditions.
“Wildfire dynamics are changing, and our plan has to change along with them,” Park said. “The new updates are designed not only to assess risk but to provide specific, actionable strategies that our community can implement to reduce vulnerability.”
The updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan includes revised risk assessments and more detailed fire hazard maps. These changes come in response to the growing intensity and frequency of wildfires across the state. By identifying and prioritizing high-risk areas, Mineral County aims to concentrate resources and mitigation efforts where they are needed most. This may include clearing vegetation, constructing firebreaks, and planning accessible evacuation routes.
“This isn’t just about identifying danger zones,” Park explained. “It’s about understanding the bigger picture. How weather patterns, local vegetation, and population density all factor into our wildfire risks. With better mapping and updated data, we’re able to focus our efforts more effectively.”
A public event will be held at the St. Regis Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 4-6 p.m. A review of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and Wildfire Risk maps will give an overview of the update process. Dinner will be provided by Winki’s Diner and children’s activities will be offered by the St. Regis Camo Critter 4-H Club.
“Wildfire season is something we all have to take seriously,” Park concluded. “By staying vigilant, working together, and implementing the strategies outlined in our Community Wildfire Protection Plan, we can create a safer, more resilient future for Mineral County.”
The updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan stands as a testament to Mineral County’s dedication to wildfire preparedness, serving as both a guide and a call to action for every resident to play their part in reducing the risks and impacts of wildfire. For questions, more information, or to be added to the mailing list, contact Sam Lashley, at sam.lashley@swca.com.