Department of Public AffairsOffice

Agriculture 517 Gold Avenue,SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

For Immediate Release Contacts:

George Martinez 505-842-3344 ArtMorrison 505-842-3298

Albuquerque, NM, March 14, 2001Communities,non-profit organizations, businesses, and state, local and tribal governmentsmay now apply for grant monies from USDA Forest Service under the National FirePlan.

These grant monies are for developing plans andcreating economic opportunities while reducing risk of wildland fire. "Thisis an important step in our continuing commitment to reduce the risk of fire andprotect the communities and enhance local economies in the Southwest,"stated Eleanor Towns, Southwestern Regional Forester.

Qualifying applicants within Arizona, New Mexico,Texas and Oklahoma may submit project proposals for projects within twocategories of community assistance projects: 1) community planning for fireprotection that may include an economic action planning component; and 2)economic action and pilot programs that help communities develop economicenterprises for using and marketing small-diameter trees, includingdemonstration and pilot projects.

"In the past week, I have sent a letter toeach forest supervisor requesting them to reach out to communities, counties,tribal leaders, local organizations, and others. I have asked the ForestSupervisors to make sure that they provide the technical assistance needed forsuccessful projects. Project proposals must be submitted by May 15^th,"Towns added.

Information can be obtained via the Internet athttp://www.fs.fed.us/r3/snp/community or by contacting one of the followingForest or Regional representatives:

National Forest Coordinator Phone

Apache-Sitgreaves Robert Dyson 520-333-6263

Carson Ben Romero 505-758-6211

Cibola Susan McHenry 505-346-2650

Coconino Bruce Greco 505-527-3650

Coronado Carmen Melendez 520-670-4523

Gila Delbert Griego 505-388-8210

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Kaibab Jerry Payne 520-635-8230

Lincoln, Smokey Bear RD Gerald Hawk 505-257-4095

Lincoln, Guadalupe RD Mike Baca 505-885-4181

Lincoln, Sacramento RD Frank Martinez505-682-2551

Prescott Steve Sams 520-717-8470

Santa Fe Wendy Strebe 505-425-3534

Tonto John Hinz 602-225-5271

Regional Office George Martinez 505-842-3344

Regional Office Angela Sandoval 505-842-3289

Regional Office Walter Dunn 505-842-3425