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TUD BOARD ADOPTS COMPREHENSIVE WILDFIRE DEFENSE PLAN

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Coversheet of the Wildfire Defense Plan

SONORA, CA: Tuolumne Utilities District is proud to announce the completion and adoption of the TUD Wildfire Defense Plan.  This comprehensive strategy, developed with the support of the USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant, received unanimous approval from the Board of Directors at the April 22nd meeting.

Board President Ron Ringen shared his excitement about the plan’s adoption, saying, “This is a huge win for our community.  Our team’s hard work and our partner’s support have led to a solid defense strategy that will boost our resilience and safeguard our vital water resources.”  Director Ringen has been spearheading this initiative and pushing for its realization for years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to enhancing the district’s wildfire preparedness and protecting the community’s valuable resources.

The journey to this point began in December 2023, when TUD successfully secured a $249,927 grant from the USDA Forest Service.  This funding enabled the district to collaborate with EN2 Resources, Inc., and the Conservation Biology Institute to develop two pivotal components of the plan:

  • Wildfire Risk Mitigation Plan (WRMP) which outlines landscape-scale recommendations for reducing wildfire risks, protecting TUD’s water infrastructure, and providing co-benefits to the community and natural resources.
  • Fire Water Draft Points Plan (FWDPP) which identifies 49 strategic raw water draft points across the district to increase water availability for fire suppression, reduce demands on potable water systems, and enhance emergency response capabilities.

General Manager Don Perkins highlighted the importance of the plan, stating, “This initiative maximizes our ability to make gravity-fed, non-potable water available for emergency fire response while also protecting our green infrastructure through effective vegetation management. It’s a comprehensive approach that integrates the needs of the community, wildlife, and our water systems.”

The completion of the TUD Wildfire Defense Plan involved extensive collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Tuolumne County Fire Safe Council, Tuolumne County Fire Safety Advisory Committee, and other local partners.  Their input and support were crucial in shaping a strategy that addresses the unique challenges of our region.  The collective support and engagement from the community and local agencies have been instrumental in bringing this plan to fruition.

With the plan now officially adopted, TUD is committed to pursuing additional grant funding opportunities to ensure the plan’s implementation.

For more information about the TUD Wildfire Defense Plan, please visit us at: TUD-Wildfire-Defense-Plan.pdf.

 

May 8, 2025
Contact: Emily Baumbach
External Affairs Specialist
(209) 532-5536

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