SIERRA STREAMS
Watershed Monitoring, Research, and Restoration
At this level, policy-makers, public agencies, and fire and forest experts make large-scale plans for addressing wildfires and promoting ecosystem and human health. They provide resources to individuals in the form of grants, loans, technical assistance, or information (such as handbooks). These resources are utilized by individuals in Level II.
This USDA-run program applies to landowners (or renters) who manage land for agriculture or non-industrial private forest land.
Local NRCS Contacts:
*Landowners must often pay up front, then will get reimbursed after the work is done. To apply, reach out to the local NRCS office and let them know you are interested. You will work with them to determine your eligibility.
This program aims to improve forest resources, including animal habitat, and soil and water quality. Cost share is to hire a Registered Professional Forester to write a Forest Management Plan, and to oversee reforestation, stand improvement, and conservation practices/habitat improvement.
Contact:
*Funds get reimbursed after the work is completed. CFIP provides reimbursement at 75% or 90% cost share rates. Before filling out an application, consult with the Forestry Assistant Specialist, currently David Ahmadi (above).
This USDA Forest Service grant helps at-risk local communities and Tribes plan and reduce the risk against wildfire. The Act prioritizes at-risk communities in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income, and/or have been impacted by a severe disaster. Communities may develop the plans for project implementation.
For more information: Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program | US Forest Service.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program aims to restore habitats on working landscapes (e.g. forests, farms, ranches). This could involve improving water resources, planting native species, or oak woodland restoration. Their conservation priorities are wet meadows, streams and riparian habitats.
Contact:
This CAL FIRE program aims to reduce fuel loading to prevent catastrophic wildfire in California, with prescribed fire as a main focus.
The project area must be on State Responsibility Lands: SRA Viewer.
Note that as of early 2023, funding is not being offered. However, check their website for future opportunities.
This USDA-run program helps landowners of private forestland restore forest health that has been damaged by natural disasters. Drought or insect infestation do not apply. Debris removal, planting, fire lanes, fencing, wildlife enhancement are examples of work scopes.
This grant program emphasizes fire risk reduction activities by landowners and residents in at-risk communities to restore and maintain resilient landscapes and create fire-adapted communities. Individual landowners cannot apply—must have a legal fiscal sponsor. Check the website for current grant opportunities.
Nevada County Office of Emergency Services may offer FireWise Community grants on occasion.
Check their website for more information: Firewise Community Grants.
What is required for the type of forest management you want to do?
Check out this document from UCANR: Planning and Permitting Forest Fuel-Reduction Projects on Private Lands in CA – ANR Catalog (Page 4 includes a helpful flow chart).
