Fall / Summer Neighborhood Chipping Reimbursement Program

How it works

This program reimburses neighborhoods that organize their own chipping to reduce wildfire fuels around homes. The page says reimbursements are for chipping services and related costs, including fuel for a rented chipper and fuel for a vehicle used to tow a rented chipper.

What the money covers

Eligible chipping must relate to defensible space around homes. The page says the program covers chipping costs and can include the cost of fueling a rented chipper and renting a vehicle to tow it.

Amounts and limits

The official page says reimbursement is up to $250 per property and $80 per 500 linear feet of private road. Reimbursement cannot exceed the cost of chipping services, and there is a $10,000 reimbursement maximum per neighborhood.

How to apply

Early-bird applications open July 25 for eligible FireWise USA recognized communities, with a password provided through the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County FireWise USA program. General applications open August 1 for all other eligible neighborhoods. The page states applications close October 31 and all chipping and reimbursement forms must be completed and submitted by November 30. It also says reimbursement forms must be submitted within 30 days after applying or the funds held for that applicant will be released to others.

Timing and current status

The page shows summer/fall applications open August 1 and says the program was full and applicants were placed on a waitlist at the time the page was crawled.