Water and soil district begins defense program

Kerby, Ore. — The Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District is excited to announce the commencement of the Kerby Fuels Reduction project, funded by the Community Wildfire Defense Grant initiative. This critical effort will address wildfire risk in the north Illinois Valley by creating an 80-acre strategic wildfire fuels break through thinning, hand piling and burning activities.
The $113,744 project, part of President Biden’s $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a collaboration between the Illinois Valley SWCD, Grayback Forestry, and key partners, including the Illinois Valley Watershed Council and the Illinois Valley Fire Resiliency Oversight Group. Work will take place on 14 private properties across the north Illinois Valley, with Grayback Forestry leading the implementation efforts.
This initiative is an integral component of the North Illinois Valley Strategic Implementation Area, spearheaded by the Illinois Valley SWCD in partnership with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The SIA will focus restoration project work in Selma and Kerby over the course of the next four years.
The Illinois Valley SWCD expresses gratitude to all project partners and the funding support provided by the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Together, these efforts embody a shared commitment to building wildfire-resilient communities and landscapes in the I.V.
About Illinois Valley SWCD: The Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of natural resources through conservation efforts, community partnerships, and sustainable practices.