Tuolumne Utilities District Completes Fuels Reduction Project
Twain Harte, CA– The Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) has completed the TUD Critical District Fuels Reduction (Phase 2) Project, significantly reducing hazardous fuel loads around the Twain Harte Wastewater Treatment Facility. Funded by a $160,522 grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Climate Investments Wildfire Prevention Grant Program, the project treated 22.2 acres using a combination of hand thinning and mastication.
This strategic initiative enhances the facility’s resilience to wildfires, reflecting TUD’s commitment to community safety. “TUD sees investing in critical infrastructure protection as a key strategy for building community wildfire resilience,” said TUD General Manager Don Perkins.
The project is part of TUD’s broader efforts to mitigate wildfire risk and safeguard water and wastewater infrastructure. This is the second CAL FIRE grant-funded project completed by the district, following fire protection and resiliency work on eight water storage facilities within a year. TUD is also developing a Wildfire Defense Plan and a Wildfire Protection Draft Points Plan, both grant-funded, to address wildfire risks for TUD water systems and surrounding areas. These plans aim to map essential resources, identify key locations for wildfire management, and prioritize water drafting points to enhance community wildfire protection.
