MINUTES

BTCSD Greenbelt Stewardship Plan

PUBLIC MEETING - October 15, 2005

Brooktrails Community Center - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Presented by the Recreation, Greenbelt & Conservation Committee

Facilitated by Brian Weller

A. Develop two landing zones for landing CDF helicopters and crews in the Ridge Road area. "Landing zone" is a 70-90' diameter area. Director Ziady noted that CDF crews may be occupied elsewhere in the state; to assist in a fire here, they could arrive by helicopter for fastest assistance.

B. Cooperative work between private landowners and BTCSD to maintain the dirt road connecting the two sections of Ridge Road. Access to this section is critical. Mr. Weller said it is very important that we make it as easy as possible for fire crews to get in, because they will make tactical decisions on the ground as to where to go for the most effect. Director Ziady said the audience should understand they cannot expect CDF to go into the middle of the Greenbelt, and we are not planning on creating giant roads for firefighting there. Instead we are looking at our most vulnerable area, the boundaries, to create an area of safety, and then work on the greenbelt core to make it more fire-resistant. An audience member asked about whether cul-de-sacs would be useful; Director Ziady said they might be, but we have to work with CDF on that.

C. Work with CDF.

D. Implementation - to be discussed under Fuel Treatments.

A. A BTCSD class on abatement. What do I cut and don't cut, and how do I do it and keep all of my fingers?

(1) Curriculum to include, but not limited to:

(a) Brooktrails Fire Department abatement standards.

(b) Discussion by Forest Steward/ecologist on balancing abatement with species sustainability.

(c) BTCSD policy and paperwork for private property owners who want to abate in the Greenbelt adjoining their property.

(d) Basic safety issues while doing abatement work.

(e) Demonstration of abatement and safetey measures.

(2) Classes to be held biannually or based on community need.

(3) Classes to be publicized in the newspaper and on the BTCSD website. This was given to the audience: btcsd.org.

B. Neighborhood meetings for education, individualizing their fire defense plan, and cooperative abatement efforts.

(1) BTCSD will promote and aid neighborhood organization by:

(a) Assisting neighborhoods in obtaining speakers and a meeting place.

(b) Provide copies of:

   -- BTCSD abatement standards, policies and paperwork to allow private property owners to abate in adjoining Greenbelt

   -- maps of the neighborhood for planning, and maps of evacuation routes

   -- class schedule for abatement class
(c) Discussing the neighborhood working together to:

   -- develop and individualize their fire reduction plan

   -- Develop a knowledge of elders/handicapped in the neighborhood who may need assistance with abatement or evacuation

   -- Cooperative efforts for abatement in Border and Community Park zones

(2) Curriculum of the neighorhood meetings to include, but not limited to:

(a) Fire safe concerns:

   -- house identiifcation

   -- making a house more fire-resistant

   -- shelter-in-place guidelines

   -- planning for an evacuation

Director Ziady noted that the Fire Safe Council has a lot to offer here.

(b) Curriculum to be coordinated with CDF and the Fire Safe Council.