FAQ Free Safer West County Chipper Service Program

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What is the purpose of this program?

This program is designed to support residents of low-income households in Camp Meeker, Green Valley, Forestville, Occidental and Monte Rio who are engaged in creating wildfire defensible space by removing hazardous vegetation specifically around their homes, structures, and access routes. Residents can pile the removed vegetation and request free chipper service to turn vegetative debris into chips. Chips pose less of a fire risk to structures than standing vegetation when spread thinly on the ground 30’ or more from the structure.

  1. Who operates this program?

This program is operated by Safer West County and the four local fire departments: Occidental Community Services District, Gold Ridge Fire Protection District (serving Camp Meeker), Monte Rio Fire Protection District, and Sonoma County Fire District (serving Forestville).

  1. How is this program funded?

This project is funded by a grant from CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Grant Program. This project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

  1. Who is eligible for this program?

See the Applicant Eligibility Criteria under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. What is a defensible space project?

Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides firefighters a safe area to work in, to defend your home. 

  1. Are landowners required to maintain defensible space by law?

Yes. In the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, landowners are required to comply with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291. Learn more about PRC 4291 and see CAL FIRE’s defensible space guidelines here. 

  1. Does this program encourage neighbors to work together on defensible space projects?

Yes. Neighbors are encouraged to work together to create defensible space in their neighborhood. Many hands make light work, and working together can be inspiring and rewarding. In addition, many residents who are elderly or have mobility limitations may appreciate the assistance of their neighbors or loved ones. 

  1. Is other assistance available for residents to create defensible space? 

Yes. You can request an assessment of your home’s vulnerabilities to wildfire. Request this service from your local fire department. 

For a limited time, eligible applicants can request free home assessment and improvements made in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Learn more here.

Hand tools are available upon request for residents within the Program Service Area. Tools include loppers, uprooters, pruners, limbing and pole saws, gloves, tarps, rakes, wheelbarrow, and shovels.   

In the near future, incentive dollars will be available for residents within the Program Service Area to hire contractors for defensible space projects. If you are interested in accessing funds, please send an email to Incentives@saferwestcounty.org. Safer West County will be sharing more information about this program when it launches.

Other resources and education about defensible space are available through Fire Safe Sonoma. 

  1. How can I avoid harming native birds when removing vegetation?

Native birds are protected from harm under federal and state law. Adult birds can usually escape harm during vegetation clearing activities by flying away, but during the nesting season, eggs and chicks are in danger when clearing activity begins. You can avoid harming them by limiting vegetation clearing activities during the nesting season (January 1st to September 15th). If clearing is unavoidable during this time, you can still avoid harm by assessing a tree/shrub for active nests, and avoiding trees/shrubs that have active nests. Do this by watching for nests, adult birds flying to and from a nest, or sitting on a nest, as it can be assumed that the nest is active. Note that some birds will nest in vegetation piles. Before chipping, check that your pile does not have a bird’s nest within or under it. 

  1. What will participating in this program cost me?

Nothing. This program provides free chipping services. 

  1. Do I need to have my pile ready at the time that I apply for free chipping services?

Yes. Applicants are required to submit photos of their prepared piles in their applications, showing that they have followed the guidelines.

  1. How do I make a chipper pile?

See the Guidelines for Chipper Piles under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. What is allowed in the chipper pile?

See the Guidelines for Chipper Piles under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. How many piles can I request free chipping service for?

See the Guidelines for Chipper Piles under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. Where should I place my pile so that the crew can easily get to it?

See the Guidelines for Chipper Piles under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. What happens to the chips?

See the Guidelines for Chipper Piles under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. Do I need to be home when the chipper comes?

The applicant does not need to be home at the time of the scheduled chipper service. If the information provided in the application is adequate to access the pile without the applicant being present, the crew can provide chipping service regardless of attendance. This is meant to reduce the amount of coordination needed between the crew and the applicant.

If the applicant wishes to be present at the time of the chipper service, they may indicate so on the application. While we can’t guarantee it, we will do our best to coordinate such that the applicant is present at the time of servicing.

  1. How do I apply?

See the Application Guidelines under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. When is the application deadline?

See the Application Guidelines under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. When will I know if my application is approved?

Anticipated Service Schedule:

1. Once the application has been submitted, the applicant will immediately receive an email message confirming the receipt of the application. If email is not accessible, they will receive a phone call within 7 business days.

2. The application will be reviewed by program staff and assessed for eligibility within 7 business days of submission. 

3. The applicant will receive a communication approving or denying their application within 7-14 business days of submission. Approved applicants will also receive a communication scheduling the date of the service. 

Note that this schedule is subject to change and may be affected by holidays. 

  1. How soon after applying will my pile be chipped?

Services will be rendered within 25 business days of an approved application. In the case of reasonable delays, services may be rendered beyond 25 business days of an approved application. 

Note that this schedule is subject to change and may be affected by holidays. 

  1. Under what circumstances would my application be denied?

See the Conditions for Denied Services under the Full Terms of Participation.

  1. Who do I contact if I need more information or assistance with the application?

If you have any questions about the program or application, you can contact us by emailing Chipping@saferwestcounty.org or calling [PHONE]

  1. How is this program different from the free curbside chipper program run by the County of Sonoma?
    1. The funding source is different: The County’s program is funded by the County’s General Fund. This program is funded by a grant from CALFIRE to Fire Safe Sonoma, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. 
    2. The operators of the program are different. The County’s program is operated by Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division. This program is operated by Safer West County and the four local fire departments: Occidental Community Services District, Gold Ridge Fire Protection District (serving Camp Meeker), Monte Rio Fire Protection District, and Sonoma County Fire District (serving Forestville). 
    3. The geography is different: The County’s program serves properties located in all unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. This program serves properties located in these western Sonoma County communities: Camp Meeker, Forestville, Green Valley, Monte Rio, and Occidental. See the Program Service Area Map here.
    4. Other differences: [LIST THEM HERE]