A really excellent book, particularly appropriate right now.  It's available at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Gift Shop (Bookstore manager Gail Milliken is very supportive of all things permaculture, has stocked the shelves with almost any request we have made, it's a positive way to influence an institution, by supporting with your choice of purchases.  Members receive 10% discount, and no admission charged if just shopping in bookstore or plant nursery). Margie Bushman
Firescaping-
Creating fire-resistant landscapes, gardens, and properties in California's diverse environments
DOUGLAS KENT

One in four Californians is at risk of encountering a wildfire. Since 1990, 53 lives and more than 11,000 structures in California have been lost to wildfires, costing local and state economies millions of dollars.

Many homes are landscaped and gardened in a way that actually increases the risk of wildfire damage. Firescaping, Creating fire-resistant landscapes, gardens, and properties in California s diverse environments is a practical, hands-on guide to help lower that risk. Its fresh, reality-based perspective gives simple, achievable strategies for those who want to reduce their garden s fire hazard, while promoting its long-term health and function.

This book describes what types of properties and landscapes are higher-risk, how to make a home more accessible to fire-fighters, and what to do to minimize the chances that a home will be damaged or destroyed by a wildfire. It covers fire-safe fencing and roofing materials, has tips on using water efficiently, gives best methods of effective vegetation removal, and provides versatile and comprehensive plant lists and maintenance calendars useful for those living in California s diverse climate zones.

Professionals from fire-protection agencies as well as landscape and architecture experts have contributed to Firescaping, to make it a complete and essential resource. Endorsed by AAA Homeowners Insurance

Any Western homeowner who lives in an area that is at risk for wildfires needs a copy of this book.

$18.95

160 pages, 8" x 10" two-color
ISBN 0-89997-360-4
UPC 1906997360

Nearly one in four Californians live in fire country. According to the California Department of Forestry all of California's wild lands will burn.

PRAISE FOR FIRESCAPING

"If you want to be more responsible for your home s fire safety, follow these guidelines."

--Dick Hayes, Deputy Chief Public Education, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

"Very well done& with loads of useful information."

--Scott Alber, Fire Marshall Marin County

"Should be the required text for every fire fighter, homeowner, and landscape architect where even a remote chance of fire may occur."

--Bob Tanem, America s Happy Gardener, and garden radio host on KSFO

Helpful examples of various tools to design and maintain landscapes that protect homes from this ever present hazard."

--Darren Haver, South Coast Research and Extension Center, University of California Cooperative Extension

"Very comprehensive and filled with useful information"

--Ken Churches, County Director, University of California Cooperative Extension

"&contains a wealth of information for anyone serious about community wildfire protection and proper vegetation management& an excellent tool for teaching forestry, silviculture, and horticulture students about fire-related topics."

--David R. Caine, Fire Commissioner, Lake Arrowhead Fire District and representative for Senator Jim Brulte, Governor's Blue Ribbon Fire Commission 2004

"Doug Kent not only points out the problems and suggests solutions, but he offers the aesthetic advice of a garden designer and then backs that up with the growing knowledge of a gardener."

--Robert Smaus, author of Answers for California Gardeners and 52 Weeks in the California Garden

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network
(805) 962-2571
P.O. Box 92156, Santa Barbara, CA 93190
margie@sbpermaculture.com
www.sbpermaculture.org

"We are like trees, we must create new leaves, in new directions, in order to grow." - Anonymous