Fall Fuel Reduction Grant Program

The Deschutes County Fuel Reduction Grant Program is administered by Deschutes County through its Community Development Department, specifically the Natural Resources division. The program is designed to support community-level wildfire risk reduction efforts within Deschutes County, Oregon. With increasing wildfire threats across the region, the County has allocated funding to assist organized neighborhoods and communities in implementing targeted, short-term fuel reduction projects. These efforts are closely aligned with the Firewise USA framework, which emphasizes proactive planning, defensible space, and community engagement to mitigate wildfire risks. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund projects that reduce hazardous fuels and improve defensible space around structures. Eligible activities include equipment rentals, supplies for volunteer work parties, contracting services for chipping or vegetation removal, and debris disposal costs. The program explicitly discourages funding for ongoing maintenance activities that cannot be sustained beyond the grant period, such as routine pine needle removal. This ensures that funded projects produce meaningful, lasting impact rather than temporary or recurring maintenance outcomes. Eligibility is restricted to applicants operating at a neighborhood or community scale. Individual property owners are not eligible to apply independently. Communities are expected to demonstrate alignment with Firewise USA principles, either by already being recognized as a Firewise site or actively working toward that designation. Projects must focus on reducing wildland fuels and improving defensible space, particularly within 100 feet of structures, which is a key evaluation priority. Communities without a tax identification number must partner with a fiscal sponsor that can provide one. The application process requires submission of a single electronic form, along with supporting documentation such as a W-9 tax form and a project budget. Competitive applications are those that demonstrate strong community participation, alignment with Firewise action plans, and inclusion of matching resources such as volunteer labor or in-kind contributions, although a match is not strictly required. The application form also requires detailed responses about project scope, community involvement, wildfire risk reduction strategies, and project timelines. Applications for the primary funding cycle are accepted between September 1 and September 30, with review occurring shortly thereafter. Applicants may be subject to site visits during the evaluation phase. Funding decisions are typically communicated by early November. While late applications may be considered if funds remain available, priority is given to those submitted within the initial window. All funded projects must be completed, and final reports submitted, by June 30 of the following year. Evaluation criteria include Firewise participation status, alignment with community wildfire preparedness plans, scale of participation, focus on defensible space, and presence of matching resources. Post-award requirements include acknowledging County support in public communications and submitting a final report with documentation of expenses and outcomes. Failure to comply with reporting or funding requirements may result in repayment obligations and disqualification from future funding opportunities. For further information, applicants may contact the Natural Resources Specialist at Deschutes County via phone or email.

Strengthen application with Firewise USA™ alignment; include estimates for matching resources; apply early; be prepared for possible site visit.