JoAnne Skelly
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Carson City/Storey County
2621 Northgate, Suite 15
Carson City NV 89706
(775) 887-2252, (775) 887-2065 fax

On July 15, 2004, a firestorm devastated Carson City, the State Capital of Nevada. The damage to property, homes, and community peace of mind created an urgent demand for collaboration and information. The Waterfall Fire Education Program resulted.

The purposes of the program were:

• Respond to homeowners’ requests for information about landscape and native plant survival
• Lead an interagency task force to address erosion and revegetation issues for homeowners
• Develop fuel breaks
• Develop Nevada Fire Safe Council Chapters
• Build a volunteer program
• Teach classes on fire related issues
• Develop responsive publications to meet community needs

Goals were:

• Minimize erosion
• Coordinate revegetation efforts across public (county, state, and federal) and private lands
• Create a more fire-safe community

The target audience was homeowners affected by the Waterfall fire and remaining neighborhoods.
Educational materials produced were:

• Eight newspaper columns addressing information requests
• One hour-long video entitled How to Manage Your Landscape After Fire
• Publication—Taking Care of Your Landscape After Fire
• Seven powerpoint presentations on related topics

Outcomes included a grant award of $222,300 to accomplish the goals. Participants (N= 200) gained knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize their property. Volunteers improved the environment and made a positive impact on the community. Social action included noxious weed management, fuel breaks developed, Fire Safe Chapters formed, and defensible space implemented. Cooperation was fostered among local, state, and federal agencies and private landholders to make Carson City more fire safe.