1.  I live inside the city, am I eligible for funding?
Unfortunately, no. This program is only offered to residents living outside of the Eugene-Springfield Urban Growth Boundary or outside of the city limits of any other incorporated city in the County.  A map depicting the program coverage areas can be viewed by clicking here.

2.  How much money can I qualify for?
You only qualify for funding after staff conducts a initial site visit to determine if/what incentives you qualify for. Funding depends on the conditions at your property and the improvements that you are interested in pursuing. After you submit an application, and if you are selected to receive the grant, staff will schedule site visit to determine which items you may qualify for. A maximum of $15,500 may be available per residence, per year. Lane County Firewise Grant Incentive Program does not reimburse for any work completed prior to fully authorizing the grant application.

3. Do I need to pay up front?
Yes. Once you have been fully authorized by the County to begin your grant application process, you will be responsible for completing all of the grant incentives you are interested in pursuing. This includes hiring and paying for licensed contractors, ensuring the contractors write the invoices stating the services provided, keeping detailed receipts for any materials purchased, and ensuring the requirements of the grant are adhered to. It is best practice to get at least 3 different bids from contractors to ensure you are getting a fair price.

4. Where does funding for this program come from?
Funding is provided through Title III of the Federal Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Program– Section 601 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. This legislation narrowly restricts how counties may use Title III funding. In general, the money must be expended on programs that will have a benefit to Federal forestlands. The types of activities promoted through the county incentive program closely follow the guidelines of the National Firewise Communities Program , which is an allowable use specified in the SRS legislation. 

5.  How long will the program last?
The program is limited in duration and will be ongoing while funding is available.

6. How do I stay informed about future grant openings?
You are welcome to sign up for the Lane County Firewise Grant Program email newsletter. This email newsletter sends minimal updates related to our programming, including when future grant cycles open up.

7.  I’m requesting funding for low fire-risk plants. Do I need a licensed landscaper to plant them for me? 
No. The County only reimburses for materials for this incentive, never for labor. Plants purchased through this program may be planted by the homeowner. A licensed landscaper or contractor is only required for the grant incentives stating so.

8.  What type of license does my landscaper need in order to be reimbursed?Oregon Law requires that anyone in the state who advertises, operates as, or uses the title of a landscape contractor or landscape business, to be licensed with the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). A landscape contractor is defined as someone who plans and installs lawns, shrubs, vines, trees and other decorative vegetation including the preparation of the property on which the vegetation is to be installed. A landscape contractor may also construct water features, drainage and irrigation systems, plan and install fences, decks, walkways and retaining walls in conjunction with landscape projects.

All landscaping work reimbursable through this program must be conducted by a LCB or CCB licensed professional. Additionally, if your work requires tree removal your landscaper should also carry a license issued by from the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). It is best practice to hire an arborist for any significant tree limbing to ensure optimal tree health.  

9. What type of license does my contractor need?
Any contractors doing roofing work or installing siding, widows or doors that will be reimbursed through this program must carry a valid license issued by from the Construction Contractors Board (commonly referred to as a CCB license).

10. How do I know if my contactor is licensed?
The State of Oregon has websites where you can check the status of LCB or CCB licenses or you can contact Lane County Firewise Staff and they can check for you.

11. Is this grant program first-come first-serve?
No, residents are welcome to submit applications anytime during an open application intake period. Since the 2020 fires across the state, this program typically receives over 500 applications ever year.  Priority is given to first-time applicants, homes with wood shake roofs, properties outside of rural fire districts, residents who lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire, and high-risk communities as mapped in the Lane County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan and other resources. Past participants in wildfire hazard mitigation grant programs with Lane County are always welcome to apply, but preference will be given to residents who have yet to receive financial assistance.

12. I have applied to the program several years in a row and have not received assistance. Are other resources available?
Unfortunately, the funding typically does not cover all priority levels in any given year. If you would like to know more about property specifics, please email us at [email protected]. We are also happy to share contact information for other agencies who do similar work.