San Diego Foundation’s Fire Disaster Relief Fund awarded $25,000 to the San Diego Fire Recovery Network in May, 2004 for its Public Education and Outreach Programs.  (Funds were directed to the San Diego River Park Foundation, the fiscal agent for receiving this grant; half of the total $50,000 grant to the Network..)  The objective of grant was to “establish a sustained, long-term set of public information and education programs and a series of on-the-ground volunteer activities… that will inform and involve volunteers, homeowners, the general public, and policy-makers about options for reducing risk of wildland fire and enhancing healthy natural ecosystems in San Diego County, building on the common experiences of the 2003 Fires.  With this program, we seek to develop scientifically sound and appropriate messages about living in a fire-dominated landscape and reach a large segment of the population, and develop an active and engaged public through volunteer activities as well as educational programs.”

Another grant of $15,000 was awarded to the Network by the San Diego Women’s Foundation in June 2004.  The responsibility for carrying out both projects was spearheaded by the Public Education and Outreach Committee, led by Committee Co-chairs David Younkman and Muriel McElhinney.  The work of these two consultants was backed up by substantial volunteer efforts from other Network members.  By bringing together a diverse group of scientists, landscape professionals, fire fighters, concerned citizen, non-profit leaders and experts from many walks of life, the San Diego Fire Recovery Network has been able to integrate diverse and experienced views and reach an exceptionally wide segment of the San Diego community as well as the deep involvement with “the community of concern” – those individuals most involved in fire preparedness and disaster relief. 

Fire Education Final Report

Get further information about nature, wildfires, and living with nature and fire, on the webpage of the Earth, Wind & WILDFIRE Exhibition, http://www.sdnhm.org/exhibits/fire/resources.html .