Quarterly News: Spring 2021
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IN THIS EDITION:
- New incentive program for forest landowners
- Wildfire protection and hazard mitigation efforts
- County roadside chipper program update
- Community Fire Destruction In Extreme Wildfires: A Home Ignition Problem
- Virtual California Forest Stewardship Workshop
- In-person pile burn workshop
- Post-fire recovery workshop
- Directory: Find the right professional for the job
- Become a member
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NEW! North Bay Forest Improvement Program
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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 County, 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 County.
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 $1.5M CAL FIRE Wildfire Resilience and Forestry Assistance grant through CA Proposition 68.
NBFIP is accepting applications
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; there is no application deadline. For the application and more information, visit the program's website here. And see and share the program flyer. While it is not required to have a forester to apply for this program, we suggest that applicants get the help of their forester to fill out the application. Please review all materials associated with the program before applying. Additional questions may be directed to your county contact.
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Wildfire Protection and Hazard Mitigation Efforts |
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There are a number of planning efforts and community organizing efforts happening now in Sonoma County that forestland managers may want to participate in: |
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Sonoma County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update |
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For the decades following the 1964 Hanley and Nuns fires, there were few large damaging wildfires in Sonoma County. This abruptly changed 2017 when the Sonoma Complex fires forever changed our county. Since then, every fire season has brought traumatic and devastating fires, and wildfire has become a day to day reality for county residents. In order to address this reality the County is undergoing the process of updating our Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Learn more here and sign up to receive updates and notices about public meetings related to the Wildfire Protection Plan.
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Sonoma County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update |
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The Hazard Mitigation Plan assesses hazard vulnerabilities and identifies mitigation actions the County will pursue in order to reduce the level of injury, property damage, and community disruption that might otherwise result from such events. In addition, adoption of the Plan helps the County remain eligible for various types of pre and post disaster community assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State government. Learn more here and sign up to receive updates and notices about public meetings related to the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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New Sonoma County local fire safe communities association |
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Fire Safe Sonoma is providing a forum for local Fire Safe Councils, COPE groups and other fire safe communities in Sonoma County to share best practices and discuss important topics in wildfire prevention. They plan to host several co-created meetings per year. Are you part of a Fire Safe Council, COPE, CERT or similar fire alliance and would like to learn more?
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Interested in fire safe communities and local news?
We suggest you sign up for
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County Roadside Chipper Program Update |
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The County of Sonoma Roadside Chipper Program was implemented in 2014 and has supported hundreds of county residents in creating defensible space around their homes. Since the program’s inception, there has been an increase in the use of the program by county residents working towards increased fire safety. Last year, the free roadside chipper program started on May 4, 2020 and continued to operate based on available budget, which is driven by community demand for the service. The program operates on a “first come, first served" basis.
In September 2020 the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors allocated additional one-time funds to the annual chipper budget to increase program capacity. To date, 933 jobs have been completed. The program will start operating again on March 1, 2021. For further information and to sign up for the program, visit the program webpage here.
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Sonoma County Woody Biomass Business Competition |
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Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution District and a coalition of forest experts, business leaders, and public officials, recognize that forest restoration is necessary to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and to maintain healthy forest ecosystems. A recurring barrier to forest restoration activity is the removal and utilization of excess biomass that creates excess fire fuels and alters the native ecosystems.
The coalition offers a solution: A business competition to spur local small business innovation to create high value wood products from the excess biomass to create complementary and ongoing partnerships that support forest restoration activities and help maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
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Sonoma Ag + Open Space Board of Directors Approve
“Vital Lands Initiative”
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The Board of Directors for the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) approved the final draft of the Vital Lands Initiative – a long-term strategic plan that will guide the work of the district for the next 10 years. Building on 30 years of land conservation work and using the best available science and data, the Vital Lands Initiative outlines how the district will prioritize conservation of our county’s agricultural and natural lands, scenic viewsheds and greenbelt areas, and land for recreation, education, and urban open space within communities. The final plan is available for download at www.SonomaOpenSpace.org.
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Education is our priority. We are focused on making education and technical assistance readily available for forest landowners. Throughout the years, we have provided landowner education through these offerings: |
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SPECIAL TOPIC “BROWN BAG” SEMINARS
These presentations take place during Members monthly meetings and focus on a variety of relevant topics such as wildfire safety, creekside vegetation management, and succession planning.
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FOREST STEWARDSHIP WORKSHOPS
All-day classes on-site cover the basic tenants of good forestland management. Topics may include: forest ecology, roads, fisheries, fire safety, Sudden Oak Death, and conservation easements as a tool for family succession.
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HOUSE
MEETINGS
Invite educators from the Forest Working Group to come to your neighborhood for a “house meeting.” Neighbors can discuss their needs, possibilities and future options for forest management with the helpful advice of a forestry educator.
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Community Fire Destruction In Extreme Wildfires: A Home Ignition Problem
Seminar by Dr. Jack Cohen,
Missoula Fire Sciences Lab
March 18, 2021, 1pm-3pm, Online via Zoom
Join us for an introductory session to Dr. Cohen's research on structural ignition and its role in fueling wildfires in the Wildland-Urban interface. Dr. Cohen will be presenting on pre-ignition efforts and their effectiveness at protecting communities like ours in Sonoma County.
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California Forest Stewardship Workshop
Online beginning April 21, 2021 - June 16, 2021 and in-person Saturday, May 15th in San Bernardino County, CA.
Join the workshop to better understand and protect your forests by developing a Forest Management Plan. Topics include:
- Forest management objectives and planning
- Forest health, insects and disease
- Forest and fire ecology, wildlife, watersheds
- Fuels reduction and forest resource marketing
- Mapping, inventory and silviculture
- Project development & permitting
- Getting professional help and cost-share opportunities
Participants will utilize online resources on their own time to complete learning modules and short activities. Zoom meetings with all participants and presenters will take place once a week on Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. The in-person field day will cover silviculture, forest inventory and mapping activities. Participants who complete the workshop will be eligible for a free site visit with a California Registered Professional Forester.
Registration for all Forest Stewardship workshops is
Registration fee all workshops is $60.00.
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In-Person Pile Burn Workshop with Pepperwood Preserve |
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The Pepperwood Preserve is planning a remote pile burn workshop on Saturday March 13th, 10am-12pm. Learning objectives of the workshop include:
- The importance of fuels management.
- How to construct a burn pile.
- How to safely burn the pile in an area where plumbed water is unavailable.
The workshop is limited to 12 people. If many people express interest in the workshop, they may set up a second date. Please note that the workshop may be canceled due changing restrictions due to stay-at-home orders or weather.
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Post-fire Recovery Workshop for Forest & Rural Landowners
Past event, Online, Free
View the virtual workshop designed to provide forest landowners and other rural landowners with the training and resources they need to heal their land post-fire.
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Forest Landowner's Stewardship Guide
We've made it easy to find the right person for the job
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If you own forestland in Sonoma County, even as little as one acre, you have the privilege of stewarding some of the most beautiful and biodiverse landscapes in the nation. From rolling Oak-woodlands to Redwood canyons, from mossy bay dells to gorgeous Douglas Fir stands. These forests provide stunning vistas, enjoyable hikes, home for wildlife, wood for the fireplace, and so much more.
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This directory is designed to be a useful guide to forest landowners of all parcel sizes to find the professional help they need to achieve responsible forest management. With so many government resources, contractors and community programs available, it might be hard to know where to start. We’ve organized this guide by size of property and the activities these landowners typically engage in. |
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Join the conversation. Become a member! |
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Our membership is made of private and public landowners, nonprofit organizations and government agencies all working towards better stewardship of the land. Any forest landowner can join the Forest Working Group. It is meant to be an open-access resource to all.
The benefits of the Working Group network include participating in an on-going conversation with local forestry practitioners about the state of forestry and local forest properties. We discuss best practices, challenges, opportunities, advice and resources. We collaborate to achieve the greatest outcomes and solve problems we hold in common.
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We want to hear about you! What topics interest you? In what ways could we be helping you better? |
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Your contribution means more workshops, outings and special speaker events designed to educate and connect forestland managers. |
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Sonoma County Forest Conservation Working Group
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