Hey Cabin friends- I think we finally got some good news about clean up. Please see the below email from the USFS and an announcement by Sue Novasel’s office. In a nutshell, it seems that the decision to deny public assistance for clean up has been reversed and there will be assistance in cleaning up our lots. This is GREAT news. I’m sure there are more details to work out but I will keep you posted. Make sure you tune in for next week’s 7p meeting on Thursday 5/19.

———- Forwarded message ———
From: FS-PVL Recreation Residences <SM.FS.PVL-Rec-Res@usda.gov>
Date: Thu, May 12, 2022 at 11:47 AM
Subject: Recreation Residence Phase 2 Clean Up
To:
Cc: FS-PVL Recreation Residences <SM.FS.PVL-Rec-Res@usda.gov>

 Hello Caldor Fire-impacted Recreation Residence Permit Holders,

Thank you for your patience as we have continued to explore all possible avenues to assist with the Phase 2 cleanup of debris at your destroyed recreation residence from the Caldor Fire.  Following extensive coordination across multiple agencies, we received news earlier this week that FEMA has approved the use of Public Assistance to remove recreation residence structural debris on USFS lands resulting from the Caldor Fire.  This news is very exciting, and we will continue working in partnership with the state and the county for administration of this program.  A significant number of technical questions remain related to the Public Assistance funds, and we are working with FEMA, CalOES, and the County of El Dorado to resolve these questions as quickly as possible.

This is an important step forward, as I know the expense related to debris removal has been a major concern. A press release from District V Supervisor Sue Novasel from the County of El Dorado discussing the Public Assistance is below. We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the recovery process from the Caldor Fire.

Thank you,

Jami Millan Special Uses Resource Assistant USDA Forest Service Eldorado National Forest 530-647-5354 sm.fs.pvl-rec-res@usda.gov  4260 8 Mile Road Camino, CA 95709 www.fs.fed.us    Caring for the land and serving people

May 10, 2022 District V Special Notice

May 10, 2022 El Dorado CountyDistrict V Supervisor, Sue Novasel Special Notice Hello! We received some exciting news for those who have lost cabins on USFS lands. Below is a letter we just received from FEMA approving removal of structural debris. It is our  understanding that those involved will be contacted by someone in the next several weeks. Removal of Structural Debris from National Forest System Lands This letter responds to correspondence dated February 28, 2022, regarding your formal request that FEMA authorize Public Assistance (PA) funding for the removal of structural debris on United States Forest Service (USFS) lands from the 2021 Caldor Fire (FEMA-4619-DR-CA). Although FEMA has declined to provide assistance for removal of structural debris on USFS lands in the past, we have reviewed the new information presented in your letter regarding state and local government authorities, and FEMA agrees with the State’s position that there is sufficient legal authority to remove structural debris. Therefore, removal of debris associated with structures owned by permitholders on USFS lands is eligible for PA funding subject to the limitations noted below.FEMA cannot reimburse the State for cleanup of structural debris located on lands upon which the State has no legal authority to perform work. 1 Similarly, FEMA is also prohibited from reimbursing for work which falls under the authority of another federal agency. FEMA most recently reiterated this position in a September 28, 2021 letter from to USFS Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien, Pacific Southwest Region 5. FEMA maintains both propositions continue to hold; however, the State presented new information in a February 28, 2022 letter indicating that the State and its political subdivisions have broad police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare, which in certain circumstances may be interpreted to extend jurisdiction to federal lands if an imminent threat to the State’s public health exists. Furthermore, additional discussions between our staff have clarified the scope of public health authorities under state law, which is the primary basis for establishing the public health and safety threat under the Private Property Debris Removal mission.FEMA may provide PA funds for the removal of structural debris located on USFS land subject to the following limitations: First, PA funding will be limited to debris associated with structures owned and maintained by private individuals holding Recreational Resident Permits or similar use permits obtained from USFS. Trees located on permitholder parcels are the property of the USFS, and their removal is not eligible for reimbursement (except those that are removed to address an imminent threat to the health and safety of debris removal crews). PA funding is also unavailable for removal of debris associated with structures owned directly by USFS. Second, PA funding will only be available for removal of structural debris belonging to permitholders who have signed a Right of Entry (ROE) to participate in the State’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program or where the State and/or county is authorized to abate the debris through its own legal authorities. PA funding is not available where debris removal activities are directed by USFS or dependent on USFS enforcement of permitholder responsibilities. Third, permitholders who have already removed structural debris from USFS land are not eligible to recover their costs as PA funding is limited to eligible applicants such as public entities and certain private non-profits. Unfortunately, there is no mechanism to reimburse costs for debris removal performed by private individuals. We understand and share the State’s concerns regarding the need to quickly eliminate the threat to public health and safety posed by the structural debris on USFS land. We appreciate your continued partnership in addressing the matter.  1 44 C.F.R. § 206.223(a)(3).   Questions? Contact Us at edcquestions@edcgov.usSTAY CONNECTED:SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help