Page 5 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - March 2025

5

PREPARATION Resilience Coordinator for

From page 1 Western Washington (Gray’s
Harbor, Kitsap, Pierce and
community members to develop Thurston counties), provided
an effective wildfire protection valuable resources to further
plan. The ultimate goal is to community education and
create a resilient, fire-adapted involvement. He shared several
community through proactive links, including:
measures and cooperative n Washington DNR’s Wildfire
planning. Ready Neighbors Program: A
free home visit program that
Firewise program foundation provides recommendations for

A key focus of the discussion safe landscaping and wildfire
preparedness.
was the adoption of the Firewise n NFPA Firewise USA
USA program as the primary National Recognition Program:
framework for implementing A program offering educational
the CWPP. Firewise, a national materials, a framework for
initiative developed by the community risk assessment and
National Fire Protection guidance on developing a five-year
Association (NFPA), provides action plan.
communities with tools, education n DNR Community Wildfire
and strategies to reduce wildfire Resilience Resource Library: A
risks through practical, localized collection of research-backed
actions. By aligning with Firewise resources, articles and videos
principles, the Chehalis Tribe aims focused on fire preparedness.
to:
n Strengthen existing Call to action
partnerships while fostering new
opportunities for community As the CWPP initiative
involvement. progresses, tribal members and
n Equip tribal and community local residents are urged to take
members with actionable tools for an active role in shaping wildfire
preparedness efforts. The success
wildfire risk reduction. of the plan hinges on broad
n Emphasize shared community participation and a
responsibility in wildfire comprehensive presentation that actions to mitigate wildfire risks, shared commitment to reducing
prevention, risk reduction and highlighted the importance of including: fire risks.
sustainable forest management. community engagement. A key n Creating defensible spaces The next CWPP meeting
n Clarify expectations for the takeaway from the session was the around homes by removing is scheduled soon, and more
three phases of evacuation and urgent need for more participation flammable vegetation and debris. community members are needed
wildfire response (pre, during and in future meetings. Although n Utilizing Firewise to contribute to this crucial,
post). 13 people attended, a greater landscaping techniques to life-saving planning effort. As
Community engagement community presence is necessary minimize ignition potential. Davis emphasized, “Protecting
n Developing evacuation plans
to ensure the effectiveness of
our homes and land from wildfire
Emergency Management planning efforts. and understanding emergency starts with each of us. Let’s work
Manager Clinton Davis Attendees were encouraged to procedures. together to create a safer, fire-
initiated the discussion with a consider personal and collective Jesse Duvall, Community resilient community.”

10 AM-4 PM APRIL 5-6

Chehalis Tribal Community Center, 461 Seneca Road

Proceeds will benefit Rez Animal Resources, a 100% volunteer-
run nonprofit serving the Chehalis, Nisqually, Skokomish,
Squaxin Island and Shoalwater Bay tribes. Our goal is to reduce
the number of stray and homeless animals in Native American
communities through low-cost pet spay/neuter. Our vision is
ARTS MARKET a community without homeless pets where all residents have
access to quality, affordable spay/neuter, veterinary care and
other resources to help keep pets in their loving homes.
More than 25 vendors!