North Bay Forest Improvement Program launched
The North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP), developed by Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (RNBF) in partnership with the Resource Conservation Districts (RCDS) of Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties, and Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) is a cutting-edge cost share program, providing public funds to support private investment in forest stewardship activities.
Funding will support reducing vegetative fuel loads, insect infestation, and disease epidemics on forested private properties in Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Specific methods supported by the program may include forest management planning, site preparation, tree planting and protection, forest thinning and pruning. Supervision of these activities will be done by registered professional foresters.
“Rebuild Northbay Foundation and our partnering RCDS are at the forefront of innovation with this program,” said Dr. Lisa Micheli, a RNBF board member.
“NBFIP is being looked to by Cal Fire as a model program for technical expertise and financial incentives. These resources will help residents, especially those in disadvantaged communities, get work done on their own properties that increase our collective resilience to wildfire. It is super exciting.”
“In recent years, we’ve seen a major uptick in requests for assistance managing forestland,” said Valerie Quinto, of Sonoma RCD. “Folks are realizing that in forests shaped by decades of fire suppression, they may need to take a more active role in managing fuel buildup. NBFIP will be one tool in the toolbox to support proactive land stewards as they work to make our forests healthier and more resilient.”
Over the next three years, NBFIP aims to support 40 forest health and resilience projects in the four participating counties, with at least 15 percent of the program dollars benefiting disadvantaged communities. The program is funded primarily by a $1.5 million Cal Fire Wildfire Resilience and Forestry Assistance grant through CA Proposition 68.
NBFIP has been accepting applications since Feb. 2. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; there is no application deadline.
For the application and more information, visit rebuildnorthbay.org/innovate/nbfip/. For specific questions, contact RNBF Executive Director Jennifer Gray Thompson, at Jenniferrebuildnorthbayorg or call (707) 953- 6034.