The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) awarded $10 million to 17 projects focused on improving forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and boosting the forest-sector workforce.
These grants come from CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development program, funded through California Climate Investments. The goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions while helping communities manage forests and handle wildfire threats.
The projects cover a range of activities. Some will add new forestry and mastication equipment to speed up hazardous fuels reduction. Others will modernize sawmills, process biomass, produce firewood, or redevelop old mill sites, such as one in Siskiyou County.
Training plays a big role. Several programs aim to prepare the next generation of forestry and fire professionals by connecting students with careers and providing hands-on experience. Others focus on expanding the prescribed fire workforce, offering certifications and fieldwork, including training future Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Bosses.
Tribal and regional groups will also benefit through training in forest health, wildfire resilience, and watershed restoration.
Together, these projects plan to train hundreds of workers and issue thousands of certifications. One project alone expects to train 650 workers and hand out over 2,400 certifications. Another aims for 15,000 training hours and 400 certifications.
Over five years, CAL FIRE has awarded $129 million to 131 projects through this program. These investments support California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. The plan seeks to expand beneficial fire use, improve forest health, protect communities, create jobs, and increase the use of materials from forest management.
You can find more details on the Business and Workforce Development grants and the list of funded projects on CAL FIRE’s website.
