June 29, 2011

Dear Friends and Neighbors,                                                                                                         

The Wallow Fire, still burning in the eastern part of our state, has focused attention on the

dangers of living in the wildland-urban interface.  Many examples brought back from that fire,

and others burning around the state, illustrate the effectiveness of proper Firewise treatment

around our homes and the usefulness of well maintained fuel breaks.

Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction, Inc. is a 501-c-3 nonprofit community group with a history of

active participation in wildfire prevention programs and activities.  Prior to our formation in

2004, there were very few wildfire mitigation efforts being made in the communities of Pine and

Strawberry, or in the area as a whole.  Since that time, we have worked very hard to educate the

public on how to make the changes necessary to protect ourselves and our forests.   We have

successfully completed many projects towards that end including raising funds to clear the fuel

break which completely surrounds Pine and Strawberry, partnering with US Forest Service to

reseed that break with natural grasses, printing fire education materials for public dissemination,

partnering with Gila County to construct a Ramada to demonstrate the use of small diameter logs

from the local forest, purchasing and installing Firewise signs around the community and

building a mobile Firewise Education Trailer containing much helpful information for residents.

We also secured a grant with which we are able to assist owners of large tracts of private land

within our fire district clear those acreages for an affordable 10% cost, providing protection for

the community as a whole.  We have been strategically targeting acreage with potential for

catastrophic fire with these funds, such as the area on the west side of Strawberry which nearly

provided entrance for the Cave Creek Complex Fire.  We are presently working with the owners o

f one of the highest risk areas in the state, Camp Lo Mia in the Pine Creek Canyon, on

mitigating the potential for uncontrolled wildfire in that at-risk part of our community.  

We are asking for your help to complete a project that will serve to increase our protection from

wildfire in the southernmost portion of the Pine Strawberry Fire District.  There is a tremendous

fuel load at the bottom of Arrowhead Canyon that presents a great danger to our community.  A

fire burning in that area will head straight up the canyons towards Pine.  There are presently no

fire breaks to slow the advance of any wildfire in that area of National Forest land.   Since our g

rant applies only to private land it can’t be used for this project.  Federal funds are going to

large scale forest thinning projects while smaller projects like this one are underfunded.  Forest

Service has agreed to work with us to build this essential fire break if we can provide the funds.

Our target for this project is to raise $100,000 to complete the work.  Please help us to help

ourselves by donating what you can to this vital project.  Your donations of $50 to $100 per

home owner will be greatly appreciated.  Remember: All donations are tax-deductible.  Please

make your check payable to Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction, Inc and mail to

Sincerely,

Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction, Inc. Board Members; Walt Smith, Melvin Palmer, Ginger

Kauffman, Gail Reese, Ron Calderon and Katie Calderon

Captain Mike Brandt, Fuels Management Officer; Pine Strawberry Fire Department