In a recent development aimed at enhancing community safety, the Truckee Tahoe Airport District (TTAD) has unanimously approved $1,934,500 for eight wildfire mitigation projects.
This funding decision was made at the latest Airport District board meeting, where the proposal received a 5-0 vote in favor.
The projects, spread across approximately 685 acres, aim to bolster the region’s defenses against wildfires by implementing measures such as shaded fuel breaks and vegetation management.
The TTAD is collaborating with several local fire departments to execute these projects.
Partners include the CalFire Truckee-North Tahoe Battalion, Northstar Fire Department, Truckee Fire Protection District, Olympic Valley Fire Department, and North Tahoe Fire Protection District.
These initiatives are part of the Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and the CalFire Burn Plan, highlighting their critical nature in the community’s strategy against wildfire threats.
Among the funded initiatives are projects focused on creating buffer zones around residential areas to protect them from wildfires.
These efforts are designed not only to safeguard human lives and property but also to preserve the natural environment of the Truckee Tahoe region.
Robb Etnyre, General Manager of the Truckee Tahoe Airport District, emphasized the importance of these measures: “The allocation of nearly $2 million for wildfire mitigation projects underscores our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.
“By partnering with local fire departments and leveraging collaborative expertise, we are taking proactive steps to mitigate the threat posed by wildfires and protect the Truckee Tahoe region.”
The funding approval reflects the TTAD Board’s strategic focus on community investment and public safety.
Extensive research and community engagement preceded the decision, ensuring that the funded projects align with the district’s mission of public service and responsible resource management.
David Diamond, a board member who supported the initiative, stated: “These wildfire mitigation projects represent the first step in collaborative engagement to address the challenges posed by wildfires which do not recognize traditional boundaries.
“By investing in strategic initiatives that enhance our community’s resilience, we are taking concrete steps towards ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of the Truckee Tahoe region.”