The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has announced the availability of up to $30 million in funding through the new Regional Wildfire and Landscape Resilience Grant Program. This initiative is funded by the voter-approved Climate Bond and aims to scale up wildfire prevention and land health efforts across the state.
The program is designed to support regional collaboratives that have identified high-priority projects through data-informed processes and community input. Rather than applying a “one-size-fits-all” approach, the grants encourage local regions to tailor strategies to their specific landscape challenges and opportunities.
“These collaboratives are uniquely positioned to identify the wildfire and landscape resilience needs within their regions,” said CAL FIRE Deputy Director for Natural Resource Management Eric Huff. “Regional Grants empower these partnerships to implement projects at scale.”
Eligible Projects and Activities
The grants will cover a wide range of activities focused on both forested and non-forested areas, including:
- Community hazardous fuels reduction
- Prescribed and cultural fire
- Reforestation, revegetation, and biomass utilization
- Pest management and maintenance of prior resilience efforts
- Workforce education and training aligned with project goals
Priority will be given to projects that show broad stakeholder engagement—including meaningful tribal participation—and those that leverage multiple funding sources to maximize public benefit.
Patrick Wright, Director of the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, noted that the grants deliver on commitments to address California’s highest-risk areas at a regional scale. “These CAL FIRE grants will support investments where they matter most,” Wright said.
Application Process
The program will utilize a two-phase application process. Concept proposals are due by 3:00p.m. on June 30th. Following a review, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
Interested parties can find additional information and details regarding a virtual workshop on program requirements by visiting the Regional Wildfire & Landscape Resilience Grants webpage.
Specific questions regarding the application or program may be directed to CAL FIRE via email at [email protected] or by calling 1.530.555.0454.
