NEVADA CITY, CA — The County of Nevada today released a film telling the story of the Ponderosa West Grass Valley Defense Zone project, a shaded fuel break currently in progress, funded by a grant from CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Program. The film’s narrative is shared in a series of interviews with various project stakeholders from the County of Nevada, CAL FIRE, and the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County. The film, produced by Riparian Studios, was produced and directed by Kit Kohler with cinematography from Val Camp. Sheila Cameron, a communications contractor for the County, was the consulting producer.

Nevada County OES Chief Information Officer Steve Monaghan and CAL FIRE North Operations Division Chief attend a Ready Nevada County session in Grass Valley. Still taken from film.

”It’s a tremendous honor for us to be able to work with this team that’s making our community safer and more resilient to the threat of wildfire,” says Riparian Studios owner Kit Kohler. “We are hopeful that this film will raise awareness about what our county is doing in the threat of increased fire risk, and that it will inspire community members to research the ways they can participate in this effort.”

Written, produced and directed by Kit Kohler of Riparian Studios. Cinematography by Val Camp. Consulting Producer Sheila Cameron. Learn how County of Nevada, CAL FIRE NEU, and Fire Safe Council of Nevada County are collaborating with property owners to create a custom fuel reduction strategy with The Ponderosa West Grass Valley Defense Zone Project. This short film features experts discussing the shaded fuel break and will inspire you to tackle your own wildfire preparedness plans to stay #ReadyNevadaCounty with Nevada County Office of Emergency Services. For more information visit http://www.ponderosawestproject.org

Riparian Studios is a boutique creative agency and production company located in Nevada County, a creative community nestled in the Sierra Foothills.