Veteran and Community

Greetings, I'm David, residing in the heart of the foothills nestled within the Sierra Nevadas, in Greeley Hill. Our proximity to Yosemite brings its own set of challenges, particularly concerning the prevalent timber issue.

Recently, I encountered a neighbor in need of urgent fire mitigation assistance. This neighbor happens to be a veteran, and his wife is grappling with a severe plaque problem affecting her heart, necessitating intermittent life support. The gravity of their situation was underscored when the fire department's attempt to respond proved futile, requiring a medflight from a nearby property.

Recognizing the imminent danger, I aim to address the mile-long stretch of debris leading to their property. My plan is to also clear at least 15 feet on both sides and limb up their property to enhance safety measures. The ladder fuels that have grown isn't the mother nature we have been tending to.

1. My aim is to complete this project before the end of the summer, as urgent action is needed to dispose of a significant amount of debris. Time is of the essence, especially considering the health concerns of our neighbor's wife.

2. I'll leverage the support of numerous volunteers to maximize the impact of the available funds. Stretching the budget will be crucial to ensure we can address as much of the mitigation work as possible.

3. While grants and other funding sources are beneficial, the pressing nature of the situation demands swift action. We cannot afford to delay due to the health challenges faced by our neighbor's wife.

4. The company leading this effort brings with it a wealth of experience, boasting hundreds of combined hours operating equipment like skid steers. This expertise will be instrumental in efficiently clearing the debris and limbing up the property.

5. In addition to mitigating fire risk, we'll also prioritize preserving natural habitats in the areas we're addressing. It's essential to consider the environmental impact of our actions and strive to minimize any negative effects.

6. We'll meticulously document our progress and share updates on a dedicated webpage. This transparency will not only keep the community informed but also serve as a valuable resource for future initiatives.

7. Fire mitigation has been a passion of mine for quite some time, and I'm dedicated to seeing this project through. It's just the beginning, as I have plans to expand similar efforts through my non-profit organization in the future, benefiting numerous others in need of assistance.