Spring 2026 | Workshop Series: Building Community Capacity for Wildfire Preparedness
March 20th, 2026
The purpose of this workshop is to help community groups build the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and take collective action to reduce wildfire risk. No one knows a community better than the people who live in it. Creating a community wildfire protection plan can empower your community to understand its wildfire risk and take action to become fire adapted. Communities with a CWPP may also be given priority for certain funds for wildfire preparedness and mitigation activities.
What is a CWPP?
A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a locally developed plan that identifies wildfire risks and outlines community-specific actions to reduce those risks. It helps communities prioritize mitigation projects, strengthen preparedness, and access funding.
Who is this workshop for?
This free workshop is for teams of 2–5 people from the same community—such as HOA board members, neighborhood leaders, or community wildfire preparedness groups. No technical background required—just a willingness to work with neighbors and lead your community toward wildfire preparedness.
What you’ll gain:
- A better understanding of wildfire risk in your area
- Step-by-step guidance to create your CWPP
- Skills in community engagement, facilitation, and planning
- Connections to funding, local agencies, and wildfire experts
- A stronger, more organized community network
Even if you don’t complete a CWPP, you’ll leave with:
- A roadmap for wildfire preparedness
- A stronger network of neighbors and peers
- A better understanding of your community’s wildfire needs
Workshop format:
- 5 in-person sessions (3 hours each), every other week
- In-person sessions will take place starting in April and finishing in June (exact dates and times dependent on applicant schedules)
- Self-paced online lessons in between sessions
- Homework assignments to apply learning in your own community
- Learn by doing—with expert support and peer collaboration
- Flexible and approachable for all experience levels
This is a pilot program and will only be offered to residents of the Sierra front (Carson City, Douglas County, Washoe County). If you are interested in future workshops, we anticipate we will be able to offer future workshops to a larger geographic area. If you are outside of the Sierra front, please fill out the first section of the application form and we will notify you when we announce additional workshop dates.
Seats are limited. Priority will be given to community groups of 2-5 people that can commit to attending all sessions. The application window closed on April 11,2026.
For inquiries about this workshop or future CWPP workshops, please contact Spencer Eusden.
The University of Nevada, Reno is an EEO/AA institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Paul Lessick, Civil Rights & Compliance Coordinator, at least 14 days prior to the scheduled event at 702-257-5577 or plessick@unr.edu.