FWPP snagged the People’s Choice award along with a $25,000 prize at the Solution Search competition, hosted by the nonprofit Rare.

Flagstaff’s project to prevent wildfire and restore the health of its watersheds was the top vote-getter among 26,000 votes.

“What was really interesting is they were able to bring together a variety of stakeholders across the community and build support for community action,” said Katie Velasco, Solution Search project leader. “It took a lot of engagement and working between people that don’t always align and see eye to eye.”

Rare has gained national media attention for its work training local leaders worldwide on how to use social media campaigns to engage their communities in embracing environmental stewardship. Its Solution Search program espouses a problem-solving approach of finding and promoting what’s already working in the world, Velasco said. The competition introduces a national or international issue like managing sustainable fisheries or disaster preparedness, seeks out applicants who have already discovered the best ways to solve it and then focuses on how to learn from or replicate that work, Velasco said.

FWPP was one of 10 finalists for the award this year. Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project Operations Specialist Mark Brehl accepted the award in Washington D.C. on Monday.

“It’s a feel good story. The community is taking action to reduce their risk instead of waiting for someone else to do it or waiting for money that may never arrive,” Brehl said. “While the issues may lie outside of our jurisdiction, the consequences will be ours and they will be long term and devastating to the community.”

Brehl said he was told the ability of the project to be replicated was also a selling point.

“We hope we can inspire others as well,” Brehl said.