Five communities in Northern Nevada have received funding from State Farm to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property and natural resources to wildfire in their communities.

The five residents were among 150 winners chosen nationwide to receive funding from a pool of 420 applicants. Applicants provided a brief description of their proposed projects, and how the State Farm award would make the projects a reality. They each will receive $500.

The Nevada winners include Zephyr Cove community leader Ann Grant, Woodminster Community resident Patricia Owens from Incline Village, Palomino Valley Auxiliary Fire volunteer Cathy Glatthar, Lakeview Community resident D. Marie Bresch from Carson City, and Rivermount Park resident Sue Markert from Reno.

Grant is partnering with the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and volunteers from Douglas County Community Emergency Response Team and Whittell High School to distribute educational information and answer questions about defensible space and other wildfire preparedness concerns. Participants can also sign up for free defensible space evaluations and chipping services. Representatives will be on hand outside of the Zephyr Cove Post Office on May 6 from 12:30-3pm.

Woodminster community members will assess the damage and downed trees in their community resulting from the long, rough winter. Grant funding will be used to assist residents with the removal of vegetation that is deemed a wildfire hazard.