Jenny Allen Recognized For Service By Mark Twain National Forest
by Becky Ewing
MTNF Ranger
The Pine Tree Lake project is a wildfire protection project and is the first of its kind in Washington County. The Pine Tree Lake subdivision is within a wildland-urban interface located in rural Washington County, Missouri.
The project was selected and funds were awarded for the installation of two dry fire hydrants, creation of a shaded fuel break around the perimeter of the subdivision, a pull-behind bush hog to maintain the shaded fuel break, improvement of access roads for fire rescue equipment, and construction of a secondary escape route for residents.
Between 1992-2015, nearly 11,000 acres of land burned in Washington County, Missouri, mostly as a result of human-caused ignitions such as open burning and arson. Out of the 100 counties in Missouri, Washington County has the fifth highest rate of wildfire occurrence.
Pine Tree Lake subdivision, located in rural Washington County and within the Mark Twain National Forest fire protection area, was not prepared for a potential wildfire. Private residences were at risk. The Forest Service worked with the homeowners’ association to identify wildfire protection projects to benefit lives and property that would also increase collaboration between Federal, State, and local fire responders.
County Clerk Jeanette Allen coordinated the advertisement of a contract to complete the project and tracked expenditures. The project could not have been completed without Jenny agreeing to serve in this role. The contract was a success because of Jenny’s oversight.
The subdivision now has important wildfire protections in place and the homeowners’ association has the tools to keep the protections maintained. These improvements not only protect the physical infrastructure in the subdivision, but could benefit homeowners when it comes to tangible cost savings like reduced insurance premiums.
The local fire department now has access to water resources to fight fire at the subdivision, but also in the surrounding areas of Washington County, West of the City of Potosi.
This wildfire protection project was important to protect lives and property of Mark Twain National Forest neighbors. Increased population growth and resulting development within Washington County has expanded the wildland-urban interface, further increasing risk to communities and infrastructure.
The project’s dry hydrants and improved access to them directly benefits the efforts of Federal, State, and local fire responders who are called out to protect lives and property in this area of Washington County, Missouri.
Thank you, again, to Mrs. Allen, County Clerk, for being a key part of the success of this project.
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