Forest Service 'Hotshot' crew helps clear downed trees, limbs from NYC parks
WASHINGTON, DC, September 27, 2010 - Members of an elite U.S. Forest Service wildland fire crew
are providing assistance to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation following the
devastating wind storm that hit the city September 16.
The Cherokee Interagency Hotshot Crew arrived in New York Sept.26. The 20-person crew is from
Wautauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest in Unicoi, Tenn. The wildland firefighters are
removing fallen trees and limbs from trails and public areas in the 235-acre Kissena Park in Queens, and
the 585-acre Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Nationally, weather has diminished wildfire risks, enabling the
Cherokee Hotshots to apply their skills in this urban forest setting.
"We are pleased to provide this service to the NYC Parks Department and the people of New York,"
said Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. "This is an opportunity for the Forest Service to
respond across jurisdictions and boundaries to meet a pressing need for restoration in a place where our
wildland firefighters do not often get to work."
The Forest Service and the Fire Department of New York have an established, ongoing relationship for
firefighter training and response to fires, and serve together on interagency incident management teams.
The Cherokee crew is being housed at New York City's facility at Fort Totten in Queens.
Hotshots bring a high level of expertise to wildland firefighting and mitigation of hazards, including the
removal of dangerous limbs and trees in areas hit by high winds. The Cherokee crew is one of 106
interagency hotshot crews in the country. They are specially skilled handcrews with high levels of
expertise in wildland firefighting and hazard mitigation.
The U.S. Forest Service focus on forested urban areas extends beyond response to emergencies. Through
its partners, including state forestry agencies, the Forest Service Urban and Community Forest Program
provides assistance to urban forests through research, education, technology, and funding support.
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the Nation's
forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
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NEWS RELEASE
USDA FOREST SERVICE ? Press Office ? 201 14th St., SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
Voice (202) 205-1134 ? Web: http://www.fs.fed.us
Release No. 1020
Contact:
Forest Service Press Office
(202) 205-1134
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Phil Sammon, Public Affairs Officer
Office of Communication
201 14th St., SW
Washington DC
psammon@xxxxxxxxx
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