Lee County will host a virtual public meeting on Feb. 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. about efforts to help the community understand and reduce wildfire risk and to provide an opportunity for input.
The county is working to develop the Lee County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), a community-driven planning effort that will assess wildfire risk across Lee and identify strategies to improve wildfire preparedness, mitigation, response coordination and recovery. The plan is being developed by the county in partnership with SWCA Environmental Consultants and incorporates input from local agencies, area fire districts, the Florida Division of Forestry and community members.
The county reported that public input will help shape the plan’s recommendations for wildfire response, mitigation and community education. Participation is encouraged by homeowners, renters, land managers, fire professionals and those who live, work or own property in Lee.
To begin the meeting, Lee County Public Safety Director Benjamin Abes will provide an overview of the CWPP planning process, including how the plan is developed, why it is important for the county and how residents can participate.
SWCA Environmental Consultants will then present more specifics about the CWPP. Next, the discussion will move from the plan to information residents can use. It will include wildfire preparedness information relevant to homeowners, such as defensible space concepts and actions that can help reduce wildfire risk around homes and neighborhoods.
SWCA experts Mitch Burgard, a wildland fire management and planning expert, and Sam Lashley, a nationally certified wildfire mitigation specialist and structure mitigation expert, will present key information during the session and be available to answer questions during the concluding question-and-answer segment.
The county reported that public participation is a key component of the CWPP. Community feedback gathered during the meeting will help inform plan development. A draft version of the CWPP is anticipated to be released for review between March 26 and April 3, providing additional opportunities for residents to submit comments before the plan is finalized.
To join the virtual meeting, register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lkL6CZz4ReiU8pP11DL-Zg.
For more information about the CWPP and upcoming engagement opportunities, visit the Lee County CWPP HubSite at https://lee-county-cwpp-leegis.hub.arcgis.com/.
In related news, Lee County Public Safety reminded residents that a burn ban was enacted last month for unincorporated Lee and municipalities due to increasingly dry conditions throughout Southwest Florida. The county’s ordinance bans “outdoor burning ignition sources,” including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included. Officials ask all residents to be mindful of dry conditions and to use good judgment to mitigate potential for significant wildfires.