Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP)

With the enactment of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act in 2003, the idea of a community-based forest planning and fuel reduction prioritization document was formed.  This landmark legislation includes the first meaningful statutory incentive for the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to give consideration to prioritized fuel reduction projects identified by local communities.  In order for a community to take advantage of this opportunity, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) must be prepared.

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan addresses issues such as wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness, and structure protection.  It is intended to be a living document and changes are expected as the needs in a community change and evolve. 

The process of developing a CWPP can help a community identify and clarify priorities for the protection of life, property and critical infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).  The WUI zone poses a tremendous risk to life, property and infrastructure and is one of the most dangerous and complicated situations a firefighter faces.

Combined, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan emphasize the need for federal, state and local agencies to work collaboratively with communities in developing hazardous fuel reduction projects, and place priority on treatment areas identified by the communities themselves in a CWPP.  The CWPP also has the ability to influence where and how federal agencies implement fuel reduction projects on federal lands, as well as how additional federal funds may be distributed for projects on non-federal lands.

The Role of CWPPs – The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 provides communities with a tremendous opportunity to influence where and how agencies implement fuel reduction projects on federal or private lands.  A CWPP is the most effective way to take advantage of this opportunity.   Local wildfire protection plans can take a variety of forms, based on the needs of those involved in their development.  They can be as simple or complex as a community desires.

The Benefits of a CWPP – By mobilizing your community to protect lives, property, structures, and community livelihoods, your CWPP can influence policy makers on how to best mitigate losses to wildfire.

How to form a CWPP – The process begins with a community organization such as that of a Fire Safe Council or Community Planning Group.  Collaboration with federal, state, and local fire jurisdictions as well as local stakeholders is essential.  There are numerous resources and templates available to assist you in the process.  Contact the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County at (619) 562-0096 to learn more.

Click here fore the CWPP Briefing Paper

Click here for the CWPP Handbook

You can also find more information at the Society of American Foresters Website