Photo Credit: Wayne Elson
The Mirrormont Community, nestled in the trees of Tiger Mountain’s southwestern foothills, completed a community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) in 2015 with help from Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR) and King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP). As part of implementing this community plan, KCD’s Rural Forest Health Management program provided planning and financial assistance to complete several fuels reductions projects in the community, including a chipper day in May of 2017. Over 100 community residents participated in these KCD supported fuel reduction projects. Since then, the Mirrormont Community Association has taken the lead in organizing and funding their own annual chipper days, averaging around 60 participants working together to reduce fuels around their homes and neighborhood. They also organize community education events on being prepared for and preventing wildfires. Most recently they hosted a community event in September that brought together residents and representatives from KCD, King County DNRP, and their local fire district.
If you or your community would like to learn more about how to become a Washington Fire Adapted Community or how to be King County Forest Fire Safe, contact wendy.sammarco@kingcounty.gov at King County.
KCD also offers wildlife preparedness and prevention services to communities in King County.
Program Manager, Engagement
425-773-1668
Mark joined KCD in the spring of 2018 as Outreach Coordinator. A transplant from Montana, Mark brings with him a decade of experience in conservation and land-use issues. After graduating from the University of Montana, Mark spent several years teaching natural history in and around Glacier National Park. He also completed two terms of service as an AmeriCorps Volunteer with the Montana Conservation Corps. Most recently, Mark channeled his passion for the outdoors working to engage communities on wildlife and conservation issues while working for the Montana Wildlife Federation. When not developing KCD’s outreach program, Mark can be found hiking in the mountains with his wife Tia and their dog River.