The City of Houston received a federal grant to clear beetle-killed wood and provide the firewood to seniors, veterans and disabled residents.
The grant allowed the city to acquire a Timberwolf Pro-HD XL, which streamlined the process of turning hazardous trees into usable firewood.
Though the program exhausted the funds, the Houston city workers are looking for additional funding to continue and possibly expand a program that reduces wildfire risks and helps people in need.
In the city of Houston, an innovative program is addressing two critical issues: reducing fire hazards and supporting vulnerable community members. Spearheaded by a creative use of the United States Department of Forestry's Wood Innovations grant, the program has not only mitigated the risk of wildfires but also provided essential firewood to seniors, veterans, and disabled residents.
The program's origins stem from a pressing need to address the threat of beetle-killed trees, which pose a significant fire hazard. Melissa Sonnek, public works clerk at the City of Houston, came up with the idea.
"I found the U.S. Forestry grant, and the objective was to create something that was creative and also reduced fire danger," Sonnek explained. "So, I thought, 'Hey, wouldn't it be great to get rid of the beetle-kill trees, cut them up, and provide them to the citizens in the community that need them most'?" She shared the idea with Mayor Carter Cole, who has extensive experience in public works, and he suggested using a firewood processor to make the idea possible.
The grant was applied for on December 15, 2023. The city received their award letter on May 7, 2024. There was a city council meeting to accept the grant award on May 29. After the approval to move forward, Houston purchased necessary equipment at the end of June 2024 and facilitated the logistics of having it transported to Alaska. The team made a quick turnaround of cutting down and processing beetle-killed trees. By July 15, the city made its first delivery to seniors. Public Works Director Jared Eison and his crew worked to get the land cleared and wood processed for this project.
A creative solution
The program's success hinged on the acquisition of a specialized machine, the Timberwolf Pro-HD XL, which streamlined the process of turning hazardous trees into usable firewood. "It takes the full tree. You just stick it in the machine, and with the right feeder, you can feed five trees at once," Sonnek explained. First, the trees are limbed by the public works crew and then picked up with a backhoe that feeds it into the machine. The wood is cut and comes through as chopped firewood at the end.
The program delivered approximately 84 cords of wood to residents in need before funding ran out. "Our seniors were so excited to take photos with their firewood. They were very appreciative and told their friends about the program," according to a City of Houston statement.
Community impact
The program's impact extended beyond its primary beneficiaries. Younger, able-bodied residents were also encouraged to participate by obtaining free wood permits, allowing them to collect fallen trees for their own use. This opened an additional 200 cords of wood for the community, further reducing fire hazards while fostering a sense of collective effort.
The program's popularity grew rapidly, fueled by word of mouth. "We didn't do too much advertising, just a little on Facebook, then it exploded," Sonnek recalled. Applications poured in, and the team worked determinedly to process them and deliver firewood to those in need.
Lessons learned and future efforts
The success of the firewood program highlighted the importance of community involvement and logistical planning. Houston recommends having a lot of volunteers who can assist with both the transport and stacking of wood for seniors.
"You can show up with the wood that's been chopped and split and deposit it in the yard, but you need to make sure it's easy and convenient for seniors to get the firewood into their homes," Sonnek said.
The program also serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by beetle-killed trees. The Miller's Reach Fire of 1996, the worst in Houston's history, was fueled by dead trees and brush. "The problem has just exacerbated, and we have so much dead spruce," Sonnek said. "In your community, watch for signs and get rid of affected trees once you see evidence of infestation."
Looking ahead, the team is determined to secure additional funding to continue the program. Sonnek, the public works clerk, said the city will do the best it can to get the program up and running again by the summer. City workers have already applied for new grants and are exploring private sector funding to expand their efforts. The goal is to reach even more residents, including those in outlying areas like Willow and Wasilla, who expressed interest in the program but could not be served during the initial phase.
A model for other communities
By combining fire safety with community support, Houston has created a program that not only protects its residents but also strengthens the bonds between them. When asked for comment, Mayor Cole said, "Government by the people and for the people is what this program exemplifies."
Learn more at: https://www.houstonak.us/community/senior_firewood_program_.php
Seniors are eligible at age 65 and over. The city also takes referrals from nonprofits, senior centers and agencies. Apply here: https://houstonak.rja.revize.com/forms/9207. If seniors or disabled citizens have any incumbrancers with technology, call 907-892-6869 to apply.
Yasmin Radbod is the Rural Outreach Coordinator at Alaska Commission on Aging.
