Modoc Recreational Estates Fuel Breaks (2009–2014)

Modoc Recreational Estates (MRE) is a subdivision of 3,965 acres with nearly 2,000 parcels and a population of 800–1,000—about 10% of Modoc County. Surrounded by woodland and grassland, MRE faced significant wildfire risk.

In 2009, MFSC secured U.S. Forest Service funding to thin over 10 miles of fuel breaks within the subdivision. The design called for 200‑foot shaded fuel breaks (100 feet on each side of designated roads).

Crews removed shrubs, brush, and small trees under 8 inches DBH, and pruned larger trees up to 8 feet to reduce ladder fuels. Work was completed by CalFire hand crews using chainsaws and hand tools. Slash was chipped and spread onsite by MFSC contractors. A 14‑inch Morbark chipper was purchased to support this and future projects.

This project provided long‑term protection for MRE residents and remains a cornerstone of MFSC’s wildfire mitigation efforts.

A worker operates a wood chipper, processing branches in a forested area.
Workers in orange uniforms doing forestry work in a wooded area.
Workers in orange uniforms using a wood chipper on a rural roadside, processing tree branches.
Workers using a wood chipper on a dirt road surrounded by trees, processing large branches into mulch.
A worker operates a wood chipper, processing branches in a forested area.
Workers in orange uniforms doing forestry work in a wooded area.
Workers in orange uniforms using a wood chipper on a rural roadside, processing tree branches.
Workers using a wood chipper on a dirt road surrounded by trees, processing large branches into mulch.