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Sheridan County rescinds partial fire restrictions; fire warden urges applications to reopened Forest Health Grant
Summary
The Board voted unanimously April 13 to rescind partial fire restrictions on the recommendation of County Fire Warden Chris Thomas, who also said the state reopened a Forest Health Grant program offering 75% reimbursement and urged eligible entities to apply before it closes next month.
Sheridan County commissioners voted unanimously April 13 to rescind partial fire restrictions after County Fire Warden Chris Thomas recommended the change, citing improved conditions.
Thomas recommended lifting the restrictions and the Board placed the rescission on the consent agenda; “the state has reopened the Forest Health Grant program, which offers 75% reimbursement for projects related to water improvements, wildlife damage, wildfire mitigation, forest products, and habitat,” Thomas told the Board. He encouraged counties, nonprofits and federal agencies to consider projects and noted the program is expected to close next month.
The Board adopted Resolution 26-04-043, titled “Rescission of Partial Fire Restrictions,” on a motion by Commissioner Mike Arzy; the vote passed unanimously. The resolution rescinds the specified restrictions effective immediately as recorded in the April 13 meeting minutes.
The Forest Health Grant program, as described by Thomas at the meeting, would cover a broad set of project types and reimburse up to 75% of eligible costs. The Board did not vote on any specific grant applications during the meeting but Thomas suggested Parks and Recreation and local land trusts consider potential proposals.
Next steps: with the rescission approved, county staff and the fire warden’s office will proceed with public notice as appropriate and may help interested local entities prepare grant applications before the program deadline.
