In an effort to enhance forest resiliency and better protect communities from catastrophic wildfires, Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) today announced he helped to successfully secure nearly $30 million in CAL FIRE funding for California’s 1st Senate District.
“For far too long our forests have been undermanaged due to California’s dangerously stringent environmental laws” said Senator Dahle. “After years of this sorely misguided approach, our forests are overgrown and are a major fire risk. This critical funding will help to improve forest health, reduce carbon from wildfire smoke, and ultimately save lives and property."
Awards through CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program include nearly $6 million to thin fuels near Susanville and remove hazard trees from the Dixie Fire; nearly $5 million for the Glenn and Tehama Resource Conservation Districts to protect communities; nearly $1.5 million in Butte County to improve evacuation routes and sustain the chipper program; and $3.5 million in Shasta County to protect the cities of Redding and Shasta Lake, as well as the Igo Ono Community Services District.
CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program focuses on fire resilience projects throughout the state, with a vast majority of funding awarded to low-income and disadvantaged communities. Click here to view funding awarded in Senate District 1, and the full list of award recipients is available at CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants webpage.
“Our Fire Safe Councils and local governments will be able to use this funding to complete critical fire prevention and vegetation management projects,” added Dahle. “I appreciate their work to keep our neighbors safe.”
Click here to learn more about Senator Dahle’s legislation to protect California’s majestic forests and to prioritize policies to safeguard communities.