NORTH FORK — The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California is developing a Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan for approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to ensure that all citizens of North Fork are prepared to deal with natural disasters.
The Tribe has hired Jamie Caplan Consulting LLC to lead the effort in developing the plan.
“This firm has tremendous experience developing mitigation plans for tribes in California,” says Christina McDonald, Environmental Director for the Tribe. “They began work on the plan in September 2017 and anticipate having it complete and ready for review in August 2018.”
The Tribe formed a Hazard Mitigation Team that includes tribal leaders as well as state, county and local leaders. They are working closely with the consulting team.
On Jan. 24, both teams met to identify critical facilities that could be impacted, and potential actions the Tribe may take to mitigate risk. The teams are acting now—before the next disaster—to reduce human and financial consequences that may arise later, by analyzing and reducing risk, and insuring against it.
The Hazard Mitigation Team also hosted two public meetings on Jan. 24, giving the public an opportunity to learn first-hand about the planning process and contribute their ideas for making the Tribe and the North Fork community more resilient to natural hazards.
Everyone who attended the meetings had the opportunity to complete a survey regarding their experience with natural hazards. If you have not taken the survey, please do. Tribal citizens and members of the public are encouraged to complete the preparedness survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/northforktribe. If you prefer to complete a hard copy of the survey it is available at the TANF offices at the Old Mill Site, and at the Administration Building front desk.
All residents of North Fork are encouraged to participate and are invited to attend hazard mitigation planning meetings.
The Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan will serve as an essential strategy for reducing current and future risks to natural hazards and improving the emergency preparedness of the entire community. Everyone in the North Fork community is encouraged to register their cell phone with the Madera County Emergency Warning system so they receive critical warnings. Register at http://www.mcalert.org.
If you have any questions regarding the Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan, or would like to learn about more ways you can participate in the development of the Plan, please contact Christina McDonald, Environmental Director, at 559-877-2461 x103 or email cmcdonald@nfr-nsn.gov.
