The Greater Novato Shaded Fuel Break Project (GNSFB) includes a fuel reduction and forest health zone within 200 to 300 feet from the edge of structures adjacent to the wildland-urban interface and heavily vegetated areas with a history or potential of ignition. The spread of exotic, invasive fire hazardous vegetation, and decades of dead vegetation accumulation resulting from fire suppression, drought, and sudden oak death has created significant wildfire hazards adjacent to the City of Novato and adjacent unincorporated areas. To mitigate these hazards in a manner that restores forest health and enhances native, fire resilient plant communities, a comprehensive plan and environmental compliance is in progress for a future multi-year mitigation effort.
This project is funded by Measure C and a generous grant through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Wildfire Prevention Grant Program.
Phase 1: The portions of the project area to be implemented as part of Phase 1 (starting mid- to late-2023 and continuing through 2024) are displayed in this map: Phase 1 Map.
Phases 1 and 2: Phases 1 and 2 are displayed on this map: Phases 1 and 2 Map.
The CEQA document (Project Specific Analysis and Addendum under the California Vegetation Treatment Program PEIR) for this project is available using the link at the bottom of this page.
The Property Owner Right of Entry Form is intended to grant permission to MWPA employees, contractors, and partner agency employees to access private property while providing services as part of the Greater Novato Shaded Fuel Break project. If your property is located within the first phase of the GNSFB project area, you will likely receive this letter in the mail | (Español). Please sign and return the form digitally by clicking "here" | (Español) or mailing the hard copy to the following address:
Novato Fire Protection District - Administration Building
95 Rowland Way
Novato, CA 94945
If you have misplaced your copy or have any questions or concerns please contact us at VegMgmt@novatofire.org
Public Field Trips
Thank you to all who joined MWPA, Novato Fire Protection District, and the ESP Partnership on October 26, 2023 for a site visit to see fire fuel reduction work for the Greater Novato Shaded Fuel Break Project. This project is currently in Phase 1 of implementation by Novato FPD. Stay tuned for future opportunities to visit this and other MWPA-funded projects.
Public Workshop 2 Materials (5/24/23)
MWPA and Novato Fire Protection District held a hybrid public workshop May 24, 2023 6-8pm at the Hamilton Community Center in Novato. A Public Meeting Announcement was mailed to all residents within 300 feet of the project area ahead of time (approx. 5,200 addresses). Meeting materials, including a video of the presentation, are linked below.
Public Workshop 1 Materials (11/9/2022)
MWPA and Novato Fire Protection District held a virtual public workshop Wed, November 9, 2022 6-8pm. A Public Meeting Announcement was mailed to all residents within 300 ft of the project area ahead of time (approx. 5,200 addresses). Meeting materials, including videos, are linked below.
Main Presentation:
Room 1: Environmental Review
Video - Room 1 (Session 1) and Slides - Room 1
Video - Room 1 (Session 2) *Session 1 and 2 are the same presentation for different attendees
Room 2: Hazard Modelling & Fuel Break Design
Photos- Examples of Similar Work
GNSFB Overall Proposed Project Mapbook
GNSFB Mapbook of Phase 1- Current phase
To view the project area spatially, click on this link: GNSFB Google Earth File then click download. This file is viewable using Google Earth and allows the user to navigate and zoom into different parts of the project area. Go to google.com/earth or install Google Earth and use these instructions.
Note: the Overview KMZ shows the shaded fuel break as 300 feet wide, although typically fuel and forest health restoration treatments would occur within a 200-foot-wide zone.
