California is significantly increasing its investment in wildfire prevention, a move directly responding to federal cuts to the U.S. Forest Service under the Trump administration. Governor Gavin Newsom announced , a $72 million allocation to bolster large-scale land management projects aimed at reducing catastrophic wildfire risk across the state.
The funding, awarded by CAL FIRE, will support projects focused on restoring forest health and resilience, while also enhancing long-term carbon storage. This comes as the U.S. Forest Service faces budget reductions, creating what Governor Newsom described as “rampant uncertainty” ahead of peak wildfire season. The state’s proactive approach highlights a growing trend of subnational actors stepping up to address environmental challenges when federal support wanes.
Beyond the financial commitment, the state is expediting the approval process for critical wildfire safety projects. Thirteen vegetation management projects, spanning nearly 7,000 acres, have already been fast-tracked under Newsom’s emergency proclamation, which went into effect on . This builds upon existing efforts, with approximately 2 million acres already treated in recent years. These projects are collaborative, involving tribes, natural resource managers, and local fire districts.
The speed with which these projects are being greenlit is notable. Within a week of opening applications for fast-track approval in mid-, the state began issuing approvals. A streamlined application process is available online for further submissions.
Governor Newsom’s rhetoric surrounding the initiative is striking. He stated, “California is ‘raking the forests’ at a faster pace than ever before.” This phrase, echoing a previous directive from President Trump, is being repurposed to emphasize the state’s aggressive approach to forest management. While the original context of “raking the forests” was widely criticized as a simplistic and potentially harmful solution, Newsom’s use of the term appears intended to signal decisive action and a commitment to proactive prevention.
The situation underscores a broader tension between federal and state environmental policies. The cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, as highlighted by Newsom, necessitate increased state-level investment and initiative. This dynamic is likely to become more common as climate change intensifies and the need for environmental protection grows.
The state’s efforts aren’t limited to land-based interventions. , or as soon as conditions allow, California State Parks is planning a 12-acre prescribed burn in Jack London State Historic Park, in collaboration with CAL FIRE’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. This burn is part of the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program, aiming to improve vegetation management, control invasive plants, enhance wildlife habitat, and create a more resilient forest ecosystem. Smoke is expected to be visible for up to five days, and residents are advised not to call 911 unless there is an actual emergency.
The prescribed burn will temporarily close portions of the Quarry, New Fallen Bridge, and Mountain Trails, with Quarry Trail potentially remaining closed for 2-4 days post-burn. Officials are coordinating with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impact on surrounding communities, and the burn will only proceed if weather and air quality conditions are favorable.
The U.S. Forest Service, while facing budget constraints, maintains a strong commitment to wildfire response. According to the agency, firefighter and public safety are their top priorities. The agency’s response to human-caused wildfires is suppression, while natural wildfires may be managed to reduce fuels and restore ecosystems. The Forest Service responds to all wildfires detected on National Forests and Grasslands, working closely with other federal, tribal, state, and local partners. The agency has over 10,000 firefighters, 900 engines, and hundreds of aircraft available.
The situation in California reflects a national pattern of increasing wildfire risk. The U.S. Forest Service reports that, on average, approximately 7,500 wildfires burn around 1.5 million acres annually on National Forests and Grasslands. Over the past decade, slightly more than half of these fires (54%) were caused by humans, with the remainder ignited by lightning. The agency’s response is guided by federal policy, land management plans, weather and fuel conditions, and resource availability.
The proactive measures being taken in California, coupled with the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies, represent a multi-faceted approach to wildfire prevention and response. The state’s willingness to invest significantly in forest management, even in the face of federal cuts, signals a growing recognition of the need for localized, resilient solutions to address the escalating threat of wildfires.
