In a coordinated effort to reduce hazardous fuel levels in at risk communities in Washoe County, the Nevada Fire Safe Council (NVFSC) has established four Biomass collections sites. Community biomass piles are an effective method of reducing hazardous fuel levels with limited funding. A biomass collection site is a place where property owners can drop off any biomass removed during fuels reduction efforts within the community.

Accepted: Trees, Tree branches, All brush, Weed, Dead trees, Tree bark and Old Firewood

Not accepted: Sod, Lawn Clippings, Manure, Hay, Dimensional Lumber, Commercial Waste and Trash

The collection sites will be open until May 31st, 2011 at the following four locations:

• Red Rock – Located on private land adjacent to the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Station

• Spanish Springs – 470 Rockwell Blvd

• Virginia Foothills – 13875 Old Virginia Road

• East Lake Blvd. – Adjacent to TM Fire Station

The intent of this project is to encourage landowners to create defensible space and reduce build up of vegetation that left unabated will result in an increased threat of a wildland urban interface fire. Below is a list of acceptable materials.

At the end of the collection period, a tub grinder has been contracted to grind up all the biomass and haul it away. The preferred use of the biomass will be either for cogeneration, mulch or composting. Funding for this project comes from stimulus grant through Washoe County.

For more information visit www.NVFSC.org or contact Rodd Rummel at 775-762-5611