The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has awarded $5 million in grant funding to eight projects aimed at creating jobs, training future forestry workers, and helping small businesses expand their role in protecting forests and communities from wildfire.
The funding comes through CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development Grant program, which supports innovative approaches to reducing wildfire risk and promoting rural economic growth. Since its launch in 2022, the program has awarded over $100 million to more than 100 projects statewide.
“From hands-on training for young adults to new mass timber production right here in California, these projects are helping build a more resilient future for our forests and our communities,” said Assistant Chief John McCarthy of CAL FIRE’s Wood Products & Bioenergy Team. “We’re proud to support efforts that grow our workforce, increase forest health, and reduce pile burning by moving woody waste into beneficial use.”
This latest round of grants will support efforts across the state, including:
- Job training programs for youth and entry-level forestry workers, such as the F.I.R.E. Bootcamp from Conservation Corps North Bay and Fire Forward’s workforce initiative by Audubon Canyon Ranch.
- A statewide mentorship program connecting college forestry students with experienced professionals, led by the Placer Resource Conservation District.
- A web-based course from the California Licensed Foresters Association to help more people prepare for the state’s Registered Professional Forester exam.
- The Forestry Challenge, a long-running program giving high school students hands-on experience in forest science and management.
- Business expansion grants for Diversified Resources, Inc. and Thompson Land Management to purchase equipment that will allow them to treat more acres for wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration.
- Mass timber production investment at Mad River Mass Timber in Humboldt County, supporting new jobs and local use of sustainably harvested wood in construction.
Together, the projects will train more than 300 people, create or retain dozens of jobs, and expand the capacity to treat thousands of acres annually.
These investments align with California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, which outlines strategies to improve forest health, safeguard communities, and deliver climate benefits through sustainable forestry. Funding is provided through California Climate Investments and General Funds, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the forest sector, according to a news release.
