Amador County - Situated right on the Cosumnes River and Amador's border with El Dorado County, the small community of River Pines is “primed and ready to burn,” according to the Amador Fire Safe Council (AFSC). The Council was recently funded by the US Forest Service for two upcoming hazard fuel reduction projects in the River Pines area. The first project is a shaded fuel break surrounding the town and protecting both the homes in town and the water treatment facility. This project will create arcs of protection on large private parcels adjacent to River Pines. When completed, a shaded fuel break has a park-like appearance. Excess brush will be removed and trees limbed in order to remove ladder fuels that allow a ground fire to move into the tree canopy. The other project involves the town itself. At the request of the River Pines Revitalization Committee, AFSC will bring a California Conservation Corps crew into town to remove trash and other debris. After 6 years of boil-water orders, this project will help prevent pollutants from entering the local water supply. Once the trash is cleared, the Corps crew will cut brush and create defensible space around the homes of cooperating residents. Fire safety has always been an issue in River Pines because of small lots and close proximity of the homes, according to the Fire Safe council. By assisting the homeowners in creating defensible space around their homes, not only will they reduce fire hazards, but may also lower their homeowners insurance and improve property values. The California Conservation Corps recruits young men and women aged 18 to 23 to help restore California's environment and respond to disasters such as wildland fires. In exchange for one year of service, they earn an educational scholarship. Watch for more information on these two projects on TSPN. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.