Northstar’s surrounding forests, wet winters and dry summers contribute to a higher risk of wildfires for our community. Due to drought conditions and climate change, local forests have accumulated dead trees and a buildup of dry brush, creating serious fire hazards. These materials need to be removed in an environmentally responsible way to help reduce the risk of wildfire.

As wildfires continue to get larger, faster, and more destructive, additional resources are also needed to better protect against wildfire emergencies, including investing more in early fire detection, emergency warning systems, and fire-safe evacuation routes.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan:

Northstar Fire Department has recently collaborated with the community to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The CWPP assesses the wildfire risks facing our community and proposes wildfire mitigation efforts.

While the Northstar Fire Department has already addressed many of the wildfire risks identified in the CWPP, additional funding is needed to meet the full scope of needs.

Measure U - Wildfire Prevention Measure:

On June 28, the Northstar Community Services District Board placed Measure U, a wildfire prevention parcel tax measure, on the November 2 ballot to ensure that the Northstar Fire Department can fully implement the CWPP. The measure will cost up to $219 per parcel, per year for 10 years, to provide a stable, dedicated source of local funding for wildfire prevention efforts, including:

Removing dry brush, dead trees and fire hazards, to reduce wildfire risk and promote forest and watershed health.
Providing vegetation management around neighborhoods and critical infrastructure.
Improving evacuation routes.
Maintaining and adding firebreaks where needed to prevent the spread of wildfire.
Providing homeowners with easy and inexpensive disposal options for pine needles and green waste, including Green Waste Dumpster rental rebates and 5 annual curbside pickups.
Providing matching funds to major landowners and condominium association (Trimont, NPOA, Mountainside & CAMCO) for fire prevention compliance work.

Fiscal Accountability:

All money raised by Measure U will be spent to help lower the risk of wildfire within the Northstar community.
No funds can be taken away by the State.
An independent citizens’ oversight committee will ensure funds are spent as promised.
An exemption from the cost of Measure U is available for low-income property owners.
No funds can be used to treat new developments.
Measure U will automatically expire after 10 years and can not be renewed without voter approval.

For more details about Measure U, please view the following links:

Green Waste Curbside Pickup Information

Measure U Fact Sheet

Measure U Resolution and Full Text

Frequently Asked Questions