The Fire and Forestry Program
Mendocino National Forest after the Ranch Fire 2018: Picture taken by Will Evans
The Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) is actively coordinating a series of initiatives across Lake County aimed at mitigating the effects of wildfires, facilitating the restoration of burned areas, and safeguarding undamaged forest and woodlands. In collaboration with various partners, CLERC is diligently engaged in enhancing the region's fire resilience. This is being accomplished through the allocation of grant funds to support community-driven projects, provision of cost-sharing opportunities for private landowners, and functioning as a central hub for comprehensive project planning.
Image of LNU Complex Fire 2020: Picture taken by Rachel Avilla
WHY?
In recent years, the state of California has witnessed a notable rise in the occurrence of extensive and catastrophic wildfires, leading to the devastation of vast forested areas and a substantial number of residential properties. Lake County, in particular, has encountered pronounced implications from this escalating trend. Commencing from 2015, an estimated proportion exceeding seventy-five percent of Lake County's territory has been subjected to wildfire-induced burn events.
What we are doing about it
CLERC's comprehensive approach involves successfully securing community-wide grants to support diverse fire resiliency initiatives, encompassing activities such as fuel reduction, reforestation, prescribed burns, planning, workforce development, and community engagement. By consolidating the needs of various community partners within a single grant application, these projects extend in scale and impact, augmenting the financial resources allocated to Lake County while facilitating access to grant funding for individuals and groups lacking individual capacity. Concurrently, our cost-share programs empower landowners to address forest health and fire resilience on their properties, offering partial reimbursement for completed work. Tailored to varying expertise levels, these programs also offer technical assistance for those requiring additional support.