Ponderosa West Grass Valley Defense Zone

What

The Ponderosa West Grass Valley Defense Zone (Ponderosa Project) is a multi-phased, large-scale shaded fuel break. Phase I of the project includes treatment of 1,200 acres on primarily privately owned residential parcels. Phase II includes an additional 1,200 acres of both private and public lands which tie into Phase I.

Where

The shaded fuel break lies just west of Grass Valley and runs perpendicular to Highway 49/20. In total, the project will be approximately 5 miles in height starting below McCourtney Road to the south and stretching up to Newtown Road to the north.

Impact

In total, the Ponderosa Project will treat 2,400 acres
The project lies immediately west of the historic City of Grass Valley, and will help protect 13,000+ residents and the ~6,000 residences within 1.5 miles of the project's boundaries.
In addition to Sammie's Friends Nevada County Animal Shelter and the McCourtney Road Transfer Station, within one mile of the project boundary are 7 churches, 12 bridges, 6 schools, 3 fire stations, 2 government buildings, and 4 emergency shelter sites including the Nevada County Fairgrounds.