Governor Gavin Newsom has taken steps to bolster California’s wildfire resilience by signing Assembly Bill 100, a legislative measure allocating $170 million to advance forest and vegetation management across the state. This funding aims to protect communities from the impending threat of wildfires.
The legislation provides financial support to various conservancies, including $30.9 million each to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, State Coastal Conservancy, and San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. The California Tahoe Conservancy and San Diego River Conservancy will receive $23.5 million each, while the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is allocated $31.3 million.
“We’re continuing to increase the speed and size of forest and vegetation management essential to protecting communities,” stated Governor Newsom. He emphasized the state’s commitment to forest management by cutting red tape to protect neighborhoods from wildfires.
In addition to signing AB 100, Newsom issued an executive order designed to expedite projects funded by this bill. This follows actions in March when the governor issued an emergency proclamation to eliminate hurdles hindering forest management projects.
California’s strategy includes using prescribed burns to enhance forest resilience. Efforts to control wildfire risks are part of an ongoing $2.5 billion investment to implement the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
Governor Newsom’s earlier efforts in March 2019 focused on accelerating forest management projects to prepare for challenging fire seasons. The recent funding complements continued investment in forest health and prevention programs, set at $200 million annually through 2028-29.
