Community GIS
Background
In 1995 a project was started to increase community participation in establishing a GIS database. The WRTC holds public workshops regarding GIS to inform the public. In addition they offer free training and free access to computer facilities and library services. The goal of the project is to get the public involved while at the same time consolidating and organizing the Natural Resource data. The data is for the Hayfork Adaptive Management area. In the mid 1990's GIS projects were done in a manner that was difficult for rural communities. Usually an off site expert worked with a group to compile the GIS, but the community generally had little capabilities to keep the GIS going and up to date. The project is still ongoing and focuses on compiling existing data and collecting new data through participatory processes in order to map infrastructure for emergency response (such as road widths, water sources, etc.), fire hazard conditions and recommendations for fuel treatment. The information helps provide a basis for landscape-wide fire management planning in the County and is shared with interested parties.
History
This project began in 1993 as cooperation between the University of California Berkeley and members of the hayfork community. The goal of the project was to give the community the skills necessary to maintain their GIS database. It began by basic instruction and curriculum writing of courses that taught basic GIS skills, such as map writing and reading. Through grants the WRTC was able to continue to upgrade their systems and capabilities. The US Forest service has provided training and courses in GIS, and GPS use. In 1999 the TCGIS project joined up with the Trinity County Fire Safety Council (TCFSC). The goal of this was to integrate the use of GIS into their fuel reduction process.
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