PCWA, NID, other agencies pitch in on River Fire recovery

Another year of record-breaking climate and wildfire conditions have had devastating impacts throughout California. Locally, the River Fire, which ignited Aug. 4, took a tragic toll on the communities and landscape in and around Colfax. More than 2,600 acres and nearly 150 structures burned, leaving properties and surrounding terrain vulnerable to further damage from erosion. The River Fire adversely impacted land and steep slopes adjacent to the Bear River and to Pacific Gas and Electric's Bear River Canal. These are water conveyance systems that together supply water to about 175,000 people served by Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) and Nevada Irrigation District (NID). To achieve watershed restoration and protection measures effectively, active participation across jurisdictional boundaries is necessary. Local agencies, including PCWA, NID, Placer County, Nevada County and their resource conservation districts (RCDs) are working together, in collaboration with private, state and federal partners, to assess, prioritize and repair environmental damage to the watershed. NID, PG&E and private landowners have quickly responded and are in the process of removing thousands of burned trees and implementing erosion control measures to stabilize hillsides. The Nevada County RCD and Placer County RCD are offering free technical assistance to guide landowners in best practices for post-fire recovery, including erosion control, soil health and revegetation. Additionally, the RCDs can assist landowners in applying for and acquiring available funding. If you are a landowner who has been affected by the River Fire, please contact your local RCD for assistance. "This multi-jurisdictional response will reduce watershed vulnerability to wildfire, protect water supplies and help landowners restore their properties and rebuild their communities," said Sarah Jones, executive director of the Placer County RCD.