The Cave Creek Ranger District for Tonto National Forest is seeking public input from Verde Community residents regarding a wildland fire fuel reduction project adjacent to the Verde neighborhoods.

The Verdes are approved Firewise Communities and work has been completed on fuels reduction on the western boundary with McDowell Mountain Park and within Rio Verde Ranch.

The remaining wildland interface to be treated is the eastern boundary with Tonto National Forest, which is included in the Forest Service proposal.

According to a memo from Cave Creek District Ranger Louise Congdon, the work is necessary for the community to maintain the standards set to remain an approved Firewise Community.

The project “would reduce forest fuels and associated ladder fuels, reduce the risk of … intense fire adjacent to private property, reduce risk to life, property and natural resources and increase safety to fire suppression crews,” Congdon said.

The memo states crews would cut and remove shrubs, brush, tall grasses and dead vegetation. Some mesquite may be removed to maintain up to 60-foot spacing.

The Forest Service is asking for comments from the public before Friday, Feb. 27, in order to plan for implementation of the program.

Community Firewise officials and the Rio Verde Fire District are in support of the project and are urging residents to respond to the Forest Service in favor of the work.

An email sent to residents from Verdes Wildfire Protection Inc. outlines the support.

“The Rio Verde Fire District, the Rio Verde Firewise Task Force, and the Tonto Verde Firewise Committee, having consulted with the respective Homeowners Associations in this matter, urge you to voice your support for this important undertaking which will reduce wildfire risks on federal land adjacent to our communities with federal funds. The proposed program will greatly enhance the impact of our ongoing Firewise efforts to protect our communities against the ever present dangers of wildland fires.”

Residents have been sent a comment form in which they can respond to the proposal. Any questions regarding the work may be directed to Andrew Mandell, the contact for the project, at 480-595-3351 or email at amandell@fs.fed.us.