To better serve the needs of private property owners, the Valley’s fire agencies have partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and San Bernardino County to create a “one stop shop” thats sole purpose is to assist property owners with the abatement of dead, dying, and diseased trees within the Big Bear Valley and other mountain-top communities. Currently funds are available to assist property owners in the removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. For further information, call 909-867-1240.

Existing grant money for dead trees removal is expected to run out by December 2007, Any trees eligible for removal under existing grant money must be identified and marked by authorities no later than June 2007.

While dead and dying trees will continue to be a concern and should be removed, the next phase of the outreach program will focus on educating property owners about the importance of thinning live trees, or "green fuel," as a way to reduce fire risk.