Grant Funds to Provide for Community Wildfire Protection Plan

At the August 20, 2024, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners accepted a $210,000 Community Wildfire Defense Program grant to fund the creation of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for Camden County. This funding is through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

"We are grateful to receive this funding to create a CWPP," said County Administrator Shawn M. Boatright. "This plan will serve as a roadmap for wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery within Camden County."

The Community Wildfire Defense Program assists at-risk communities, with planning for and lowering wildfire risks on tribal, state, and privately-managed land. The program comes at a time when the nation faces an ongoing wildfire crisis, and these grants support the Forest Service's plan to confront the wildfire crisis across all lands.

According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, Camden County's wildfire risk is greater than 98.1% of counties in the state. This heightened risk stems from a combination of environmental factors, including its unique geographic location, climate conditions, and vegetation patterns. The county's susceptibility to wildfires is a critical concern, particularly due to the potential impact on homes and communities. Due to the high wildfire hazard potential, Camden County qualified for a grant match waiver from US Forestry.

Camden County's grant is part of the $250 million included in round two of the Community Wildfire Defense Program. This round funded 158 projects in 31 states, including five projects in Georgia.

From Left: Commissioner Jim Goodman, Community Wildfire Defense Grant Coordinator Anthony English, Vice-Chair Lannie Brant, Commissioner Martin Turner, Chairman Ben Casey, Grants Manager Julie Haigler, Commissioner Trevor Readdick, Georgia Forestry Ranger Frank Allen, Chief Terry Smith