Fuel Management Prescription Program

WHEREAS the maximum contribution for the 2011 Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative, Fuel Management Prescription Program the Program funded by the provincial government has been reduced from 100 to 75 of eligible activity costs, and the Program application deadlines have changed from no application deadlines each year to two application deadlines in 2011 and three application deadlines in 2012; AND WHEREAS the reduction to eligibility activity costs may prevent local governments from applying to this Program unless they increase taxation levels or can contribute their 25 share of the costs through the Programs restricted definition of in-kind costs, and the application deadlines may be compromised due to early and severe fire seasons such as those experienced by the province in the past: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to restore the Program application process with ongoing submissions rather than fixed deadlines; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to restore the contribution of the cost of eligible activities for the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative, Fuel Management Prescription Program to 100, and to expand the definition of in-kind costs to include activities undertaken by community groups assisting local governments with the Program.