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 DIRECT ASSISTANCE PILOT PROJECT  2023

The Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District (SHFPD) is committed to reducing the threat of wildfire in our community.  In support of this effort, SHFPD has established the Direct Assistance Program.  The program provides Sleepy Hollow residents with the opportunity to receive free hazardous vegetation removal and disposal services from a local, licensed contractor.

History

The Direct Assistance Program was launched in 2022 as a pilot program.  SHFPD officials wanted to examine whether a full-service vegetation management solution for at-risk properties would resonate with citizens and generate tangible results.  Approximately 40 residents participated in the pilot program during the summer of 2022, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive.  Most participants cited the program as the primary reason they were taking immediate action to remove hazardous vegetation from their property.  The Small World Tree Company served as the primary contractor for the program and received high marks from residents and SHFPD officials.  A survey of Sleepy Hollow residents who did not participate in the program was conducted last fall at the completion of the Direct Assistance Program.  When asked "Would you be interested in participating [in the Direct Assistance Program] next year if offered by SHFPD?"  79% of respondents said they would be "Very Interested."

Purpose

The costs associated with proper vegetation management often prevent homeowners from taking action in a timely manner.  The purpose of the program is to directly assist Sleepy Hollow residents with removing hazardous vegetation and creating/maintaining defensible space by eliminating the financial obstacle.  

Scope

The program provides for the free removal and disposal of hazardous vegetation from a local, licensed contractor.  Hazardous vegetation includes, but is not limited to, Bamboo, Juniper, Italian Cypress, and dead trees.  Additionally, to be eligible for this program, the hazardous vegetation must be identified on the homeowner’s Defensible Space Report. 

Logistics

To participate in the Direct Assistance Program, Sleepy Hollow residents must complete an application, submit a copy of their Defensible Space Report (SHFPD can assist with report retrieval), and comply with all the rules and regulations of the program. 

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DIRECT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?  

REVIEW THE PROGRAM RULES & GUIDELINES THEN CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Program Rules and Guidelines

 

  • Hazardous Vegetation must be identified in the homeowner’s Defensible Space Report.

 

  • Homeowners must agree to full removal of all hazardous vegetation identified in DS Report.  If the Contractor discovers additional hazardous vegetation not identified in the report, that vegetation is subject to removal.

 

  • Homeowners must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability. 

 

  • Priority given to removing hazardous vegetation located in either Zone Zero or Zone One.

 

  • Stumps and/or roots WILL NOT be removed by the contractor. 

 

  • SHFPD reserves the right to adjust rules and guidelines at any time. 

 

Application

 

Click on the link below to submit an application.  You will receive an email confirmation once you have submitted your application.  If you do not see the email, please check your spam folder.

 

Please click here to submit an application.

 

 

 Once your application has been received it will be reviewed by the SHFPD.  You should expect to hear back from someone within 2 weeks, if not sooner.  Please do not contact us about your application before then.

 

Question

Help us help you! Please review this page closely before contacting us. Answers to most questions are located on this webpage.


Still have a question?  No problem!  Please email shfpd.grants@gmail.com and we will reply as soon as we can.