Brown and Rock County Fire Prevention

Niobrara River upstream from Brown and Rock Counties.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced Wednesday the USDA Forest Service is investing $200 million in 58 projects through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program.

The Nebraska Forest Service received nearly $25 million to create fuel breaks in Brown and Rock counties. Almost $15 million will be dedicated to creating firebreaks in Brown County. The Nebraska Forest Service received $5.19 million to collaborate with private landowners in establishing fuel breaks adjacent to structures and along strategic terrain.

Due to a lack of available contractors in the area, 10 Nebraska Forest Service foresters will be hired to plan and conduct the work, which will create 150 acres of firebreaks in the Hidden Paradise area and the Long Pine State Recreation Area.

An additional $9.8 million will be dedicated to creating 2,500 acres of firebreaks in Brown County along steep, remote and volatile landscapes to protect communities, rural homes and ranches.