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$8 million grant highlights importance of collaboration to fund Truckee-Area Forest Health Improvement Projects (CA)

By Kristin Withrow posted 2 days ago
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Caption: Ben Gwerder (Tahoe Donner Association), John Groom (Tahoe Donner Association), Lindsay Ryan (Tahoe Donner Association), Scott Bower (Martis Camp), Dan Joannes (Truckee Donner Land Trust), Danielle Bradfield (Feather River Forestry), April Shackelford (North Tahoe Fire), Dillon Sheedy (Truckee Fire), Jaime Haddad (Martis Camp), Rich Steffke (USFS), Joe King (SPI). This article was originally published in the Sierra Sun on October 15, 2025. TRUCKEE, Calif. – Seven different entities and Truckee Fire Protection District (TFPD) joined forces to secure $7 million in state funding from CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program, supported by California ...
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Colo. firefighters end months of training in donated house with live burn drill

By Kristin Withrow posted 9 days ago
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This article was originally published by Fire Rescue 1 on November 1, 2025 by Sharla Steinman, Loveland Reporter-Herald The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority and Berthoud Fire Protection District used a donated farmhouse for months of realistic training, ending with a controlled burn LOVELAND, Colo. — The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority was presented with the unique opportunity to train in a donated home throughout the last few months. Their training culminated with a full home burn Friday that will leave the space almost ready for the landowners to build their new life. “Why not have some people hopefully save lives by training?” said Alexis Boonstra, ...
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STEM-Sustainability Class and Environmental Club Partner with LCWA for Hands-On Water Quality Research (FL)

By Kristin Withrow posted 10 days ago
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This article was originally published by the South Lake Tablet on December 13, 2025 After receiving training from Cathie Catasus, Program Manager from Lake County Water Authority (LCWA), Upper School science teacher Mrs. Amy Napoles, along with the STEM-Sustainability SAC students and students from the Environmental Club, will now be able to participate in Florida LAKEWATCH, a water quality monitoring program established in 1986 that uses citizen volunteers to actively participate in monthly data collection to support the management of our lakes, estuaries, rivers, and springs. “I’m excited to work on some long-term monitoring of the health of Lake ...
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Entering The Earth Balloon (Kansas)

By Kristin Withrow posted 23 days ago
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This article was originally published at KOAM News Now by Kenny Forman on October 30, 2025 CHANUTE, Kan. - (KOAM) - Fifth and sixth graders at Chanute Christian Academy got a very unique perspective of the planet we all call home. “I think the vibrancy of the way that they're presented just makes it look much more real life, almost like you're seeing it from outer space,” school administrator Ashley Tromsness said. The Neosho County Conservation District 's educational effort, known as "Earth Balloon," is designed to teach young students about what makes planet Earth so special and the importance of preserving its resources. Before stepping inside this ...
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Missouri DNR Awards $2.28 Million to Howard County Public Water Supply District No. 2 for System Upgrades

By Kristin Withrow posted 30 days ago
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This article was originally published at kmmo.com on October 28, 2025. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.28 million to the Howard County Public Water Supply District No. 2 for upgrades to its water distribution, storage and supply systems. The district estimates the funding will cover the entire cost of the project, which should be completed by May 2026. The project’s upgrades will include installation of a new regional connection with the Howard County Regional Water Commission, a new booster pumping station, a standby generator and additional water lines. Project funding consists of a $390,060 Drinking Water State Revolving ...
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ESD3 Holds Push-In Ceremony (TX)

By Kristin Withrow posted 12-01-2025
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This article originally appeared in KOGT.com on October 19, 2025. On Sunday Emergency Services District #3 held a traditional “Push-In” of their new 2025 Sutphen Fire Truck. It’s something they’ve been patiently waiting to do since they ordered it three years ago. “There was some supply and demand issues,” said Commissioner Scott McDonald. But it takes time to build and it’s custom to the specifications we wanted. But we’re glad to have it to serve our community.” The tradition of the ceremonial “Push-In” dates back to the 1800’s when fire engines were pulled by horses. When firefighters returned from a call they would have to unhook the horses from ...
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Port of Everett Awarded $1M Recreation and Conservation Grant (Washington)

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-24-2025
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This article first appeared on 425 Business October 6, 2025 by Antoinette Alexander . Using a $1 million grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office , the Port of Everett will start renovation work at the Jetty Landing Boat Launch, which is the largest public boat launch in the state and averages nearly 30,000 launches annually. The Port of Everett announced in a press release that project design will begin early next year, with in-water construction anticipated to start in 2027. Work is scheduled to be completed by February 2028 at the latest. “We are grateful to the Recreation and Conservation Office for investing in a facility ...
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Unified Fire Authority works with school district to recruit, train future firefighters (Utah)

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-17-2025
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This article first appeared on Fox 13 Salt Lake City oon October 8, 2025 by Averie Klonowski SALT LAKE CITY — Firehouse traditions go way back, and for Unified Fire Authority, many of them start at their training facility in Magna. Sean Garrett is a fourth-generation firefighter and is one of the instructors there. “Learning how to manage fire attack lines, learning how to manage ladders, and also the confidence drill that they have in the confined space maze, wearing all of their PPE,” said Garrett. On Wednesday, they had an entire group out for the day on their training grounds, doing a number of courses. “My aunt was [a firefighter] ...
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Water agencies collaborate to bring water to Yucaipa/Calimesa (California)

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-10-2025
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This article first appeared in the, Yucaipa Calimesa News Mirror Reporter Oct 21, 2025 by By Adeniyi Latinwo Local and regional water leaders broke ground on the County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project on Tuesday, Oct. 14. It is a $3.1 million initiative designed to bring clean drinking water and drought resilience to the Calimesa region. The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and South Mesa Water Company are partnering on the County Line Road Recharge Basin and Turnout Project. The groundbreaking was located near 960 Fourth Street, Community Park. This regional water supply project will deliver ...
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SFWMD Celebrates the Expansion of an Important Water Storage and Water Quality Project in Glades County (Florida)

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-03-2025
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This article first appeared on the South Florida Water Management District website October 21, 2025. MOORE HAVEN, Fla. —Today, the South Florida Water Management District (District), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Glades County and many other state and local officials as well as stakeholders broke ground on the second phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project. The Lake Hicpochee Project is part of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program and will provide benefits including reducing harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary, improving water quality and providing additional water storage capacity in the region. “I ...
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New alert system warns drivers when emergency vehicles are coming (Oregon)

By Kristin Withrow posted 10-31-2025
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This article originally appeared in KGW* news on October 7, 2025 by Libby Dowsett. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has implemented the HAAS Alert system on 18 vehicles and plans to expand it to all of its frontline vehicles by the end of 2026. TUALATIN, Oregon — Within minutes of firefighters turning on their flashing lights, a transmitter on their dashboard alerts nearby drivers to watch out — they’re coming through. As Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue raced to a two-alarm house fire in Tualatin on Monday night, firefighters said many of their engines were already sending alerts to drivers, warning them that fire crews were coming up behind ...
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Central Iron County Water Conservancy District making 'significant strides' with current project

By Kristin Withrow posted 04-24-2025
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Pipe delivery for the 4000 North waterline, which will help increase efficiency of the District’s water system, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified. Photo courtesy of the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District This article originally appeared in the St. George News on April 10, 2025 The Central Iron County Water Conservancy District is making significant strides with its Water Infrastructure Improvement Project. According to a recent press release, the project involves the installation of new waterlines, water storage tanks and the drilling of new wells, all designed to increase the reliability and resilience of water supplies. ...
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Parkville named best rural water system in Colorado

By Kristin Withrow posted 04-14-2025
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This article was originally published on March 31, 2025 in the Leadville herald and was written by Finn McNally. Parkville Water District was awarded Water System of the Year by the Colorado Rural Water Association (CRWA). CRWA is a nonprofit organization that provides training, assistance and representation to rural communities and their water systems. Parkville’s general manager Greg Teter, assistant manager Brian Formanek and water technician Aidan Fleming attended CRWA’s 44th annual conference in Loveland and accepted the award in front of an audience of around 350 water professionals from around Colorado. The award is given out based on the quality ...
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Port of Seattle Promoting Sustainability Initiatives

By Kristin Withrow posted 03-31-2025
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This article originally appeared in the West Seattle Blog News 24/7 on March 8, 2025. The Port of Seattle is striving for a “SEA CHANGE” — a fundamental transformation toward sustainability across its aviation and maritime operations. This ambitious goal requires long-term commitment, innovation, and collaboration. The journey is not without challenges, but the Port has made remarkable progress in reducing environmental impact, modernizing infrastructure, and investing in clean energy solutions. Notably, the Port is on track to decarbonize its operations by 2040, working alongside cruise lines, airlines, and tenants to adopt sustainable practices. Key ...
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Illinois Fire Districts Receive Over $72,000 in OSFM Grants for Essential Tools and Equipment

By Kristin Withrow posted 03-31-2025
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This article originally appeared on NowDecatur.com and was posted by Lindsay Romano on March 13, 2025. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million was awarded to 178 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state, including over $72,000 for three districts in Macon County. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance ...
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City of Dellwood hosts free safety equipment giveaway for residents

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-13-2025
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This story was originally published by ksdk.com by Mercedes Mackay December 21, 2024 in Dellwood, Missouri. It showcases the partnership between the City of Dellwood and the Metro North Fire Protection District working together for public safety. DELLWOOD, Mo. — A public safety distribution event in north St. Louis County came with the mission of enhancing the safety and well-being of its residents. The free event in Dellwood provided essential safety equipment for every single home. City of Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones said it was their holiday gift from the City to its residents. "These are items that we all need to have, but sometimes people ...
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2025 High School Student Video Scholarship Contest is Open!

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-13-2025
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NCRCD launches Nevada County Prescribed Burn Association (CA)

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-26-2024
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Nevada County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) is pleased to announce the launch of Nevada County’s own Prescribed Burn Association (PBA). PBAs have existed for a long time across the country and locally, although they were not always known by that name in many areas. Essentially, they are community members that come together to help each other put beneficial fire, also known as prescribed burns, on the ground. For thousands of years, indigenous people worked together with members of their tribe to apply prescribed fire in carefully planned ways. Fire was an essential tool for many purposes including cultivating food supplies, tending medicinal plants, ...
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(TX) Argyle Community Bolstered by Active Shooter Readiness Drills and CRASE Training Opportunities

By Kristin Withrow posted 07-26-2024
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This article was originally published by Hoodline on July 4, 2024 By Nate Simmons Residents of Argyle have a reason to feel a tad more secure this week following a series of joint active shooter exercises conducted by local public safety agencies. The Town of Argyle, alongside Denton County Emergency Services District #1 and Argyle ISD Police Department, collaborated to enhance their collective readiness in the face of potential threats. The drills, aimed at bolstering the tactical response of law enforcement and emergency services, are part of the region's proactive approach to crisis management. "We’re perpetually grateful for the spirit of collaboration ...
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(WA) Port to install up to 10 new EV charging stations – with eye on MEV charging for boats

By Kristin Withrow posted 07-26-2024
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Friday Harbor aerial photo Courtesy Friday Harbor This article was originally published in The Journal of the San Juan Islands By Jeff Noedel, Journal Contributor The Port of Friday Harbor will soon be installing up to 10 electric vehicle charger stations between two port properties over the next year. The cost of the new installations will be paid by two grants totaling up to $643,000. The Port’s financial responsibility for both projects will be a maximum of 10 percent of the total cost, or quite possibly less. The Port is equally determined to install marine electric vehicle chargers in dedicated slips in the future, as boats with electric propulsion ...
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