Viejas, Ewiiaapaayp Tribes Team with Forest Service to Create Firebreaks in San Diego’s East County
SAN DIEGO-(BUSINESS WIRE)-[here]
The U.S. Forest Service has teamed up with the Viejas and Ewiiaapaayp (WEE-ah-pie) Indian tribes to clear land and create firebreaks east of the San Diego County community of Alpine.
At a news conference today announcing the effort, large masticators were used to chop up dense brush that has built up over decades, creating a potentially dangerous fuel source for future wildfires. Approximately 97 acres will be cleared south of I-8 off of Alpine Boulevard. Different portions of the land are owned by the Ewiiaapaayp tribe, the federal government and private property owners.
This marks the first time that land in southern California has been cleared for firebreaks under the Tribal Fire Protection Act of 2004. The Act encourages the federal government and Native American tribes to coordinate efforts to create firebreaks and conduct other land management practices on federal lands adjacent to tribally-owned lands.
Viejas Tribal Councilmember Alan Barrett, who testified before Congress in support of the legislation, stated: “This continues a positive inter-governmental relationship our tribes have established with the U.S. Forest Service and local governments, as well as area property owners. Past experience has taught us that wildfires know no boundaries, so it’s important that we all work together for the greater good of our communities.”
Ewiiaapaayp Tribal Chairman Robert Pinto said: “Tribes from this region, including ours, have thousands of years worth of experience in fire prevention and management, and we are proud to participate in this effort to protect our communities for generations to come.”
Tom Gillette, District Ranger for the Cleveland National Forest, said: “Some of these areas haven’t burned in nearly 40 years, creating a tremendous amount of potential fuel for wildfires. Although this is the first effort of its kind in our area, we hope to continue our work with the tribes to create additional firebreaks and enhance the protection for East County homes, businesses and families.”
The Greater Alpine Fire Safe Council helped coordinate the firebreak effort with local private property owners. It is estimated that more than 13,000 people in the area will benefit from the added protection provided by the firebreaks.
The areas around Alpine have been struck or threatened by the Viejas Fire of 2001, the Cedar Fire of 2003, the Horse Fire of 2006 and the Wildfires of 2007.