Golden State Today

The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force has released 25 key deliverables aimed at enhancing California’s ability to handle the growing threat of wildfires and a changing climate. This initiative seeks to build on ongoing efforts to protect communities from catastrophic wildfires.

State leaders recently convened to discuss insights from the recent Los Angeles fires and how the 2025 deliverables can expedite progress in wildfire resilience. The complete list of deliverables is publicly accessible.

Lenya Quinn-Davidson from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources emphasizes the timeliness of these priorities, highlighting the importance of home hardening, fire training, and strategic planning. Matt Dias of Calforests describes these steps as crucial, especially in light of the recent Governor’s Proclamation of Emergency.

Scott Stephens, a Fire Science professor at UC Berkeley, supports the state’s executive orders, noting their importance in reintroducing fire at meaningful scales. Jacy Hyde from the California Fire Safe Council finds the Task Force’s efforts vital for community-led wildfire preparedness.

Dan Porter of The Nature Conservancy praises the Task Force's achievements and looks forward to their implementation. Steve Frisch from the Sierra Business Council acknowledges the economic opportunities created by these efforts in the Sierra Nevada region.

Don Hankins from the Indigenous Stewardship Network focuses on the need for engagement and support for tribal entities. Leaf Hillman and James Gore, Co-Chairs of the North Coast Regional Partnership, commend the Task Force’s investments in various initiatives that benefit the region.

Madera County Supervisor Robert Macaulay sees the deliverables as a result of expert collaboration, while Marissa Christiansen from the Climate and Wildfire Institute appreciates the integrated approach taken by the Task Force. Zach Knight of Blue Forests calls for public-private partnerships to address the wildfire crisis.

Mark Brown from the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority values the science-based approach in the Task Force’s action plan, and Michael O'Connell of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy appreciates the recognition of regional diversity in the initiatives. Sophia Lemmo believes the priorities will boost efforts in forest resilience, and Jonathan Kusel from The Sierra Institute sees the coordination as crucial for resources allocation.