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Planning commission backs 10‑acre fuels mitigation project near Ely hospital
Summary
The Ely Planning and Zoning Commission recommended moving forward with a roughly 10‑acre fuels mitigation project in the west end of Ely after a presentation by fire and emergency management officials; the work is supported by an $890,000 grant that expires in 2028.
The Ely City Planning and Zoning Commission recommended proceeding with a fuels mitigation project intended to create a roughly 10‑acre fuel break in the west end of town, near the hospital and a new trailhead. The recommendation followed a presentation by Gloria Erickson and city emergency officials.
At the meeting, Erickson — identified as a contracted employee for St. Louis County Firewise — described the work as focused on removing "ladder fuels" that could carry fire from the ground into trees, and said, "This will not be clear cutting, but will remove 'ladder fuels' that would carry fires off the ground." Fire Chief Dave Marshall and Emergency Management Director Brad Roy attended and indicated the project has the support of the Ely Fire Department and the city’s emergency management office.
The project is funded in part by an $890,000 grant that the presentation said must be used by 2028. Commissioners were told the city prefers to begin work in 2025 and that staff would seek bids if the commission recommended moving forward.
Commissioner Hernesmaa moved to recommend proceeding with the fuels mitigation project as presented; Commissioner Palcher seconded. The motion carried without objection.
Next steps identified by staff include soliciting bids and returning project details to the commission for follow‑up. The presentation materials stated the project aims to reduce wildfire risk in a community the presenters described as high risk and low income.
