USDA invests just over $24M in California and $1.6M in Hawaii to reduce wildfire risk to communities

Communities that have limited resources and face high risk from wildfire are getting additional support from the USDA Forest Service. In an announcement made today, California will receive $24,834,575 for six projects and Hawaii will receive $1,660,357 for three projects from Community Wildfire Defense grant awards. These grants are part of more than $200 million being invested in 58 projects across 22 states and two tribes.

“These grants are about putting resources in the hands of those that know their lands and communities best, so that they can better protect their families, businesses, infrastructure and the future of our shared landscape,” said Secretary Rollins. 

“Keeping forests healthy, resilient and productive doesn’t come from the top down, it comes from us standing alongside the people and communities we serve, and supporting practical, science-based management that ensures the future of the forests as well as rural prosperity.”

In total, the program is investing $1 billion over five years to assist at-risk communities — including tribal communities, nonprofit organizations, state forestry agencies, and Alaska Native Corporations — with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks on lands not managed by federal agencies.

 “No single organization can tackle the severe fire conditions we face today. It is imperative that we work together to protect our forest and communities,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “For those communities that already have plans in place, these investments will enable immediate action to reduce wildfire risk.”

Funded proposals in California and Hawaii can be viewed at the Community Wildfire Defense Grants page. The Forest Service will announce a fourth funding opportunity later this year.   

More information about the funded proposals and announcements about the grant program are available on the Community Wildfire Defense Grants website.    

About the Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region: The Forest Service manages 18 national forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, encompassing over 20 million acres across California, and assists landowners in California, Hawai'i and U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 60% of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state

For regional happenings, follow @YourPSWForests on Facebook, X and Instagram. 

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