There is a glaring need to increase the pace and scale of forest and stream restoration and community protection from wildfire. This can only be accomplished by filling the gaps in land management agency staff, contract capacity and Ore-Cal’s own organizational capacity to assist these communities. Seeking federal and state funding increases regulatory requirements for all project proponents. This includes not only private landowners, but also tribes with fee lands, land conservancies, etc. And, as usual the impacts are regressive, leaving those without a profit motivation to fend for themselves. We see this as a critical barrier to entry for a plethora of good projects that without this assistance just would never see the light of day. A stand-alone interdisciplinary planning team would help the many disadvantaged communities located in rural settings near national forests that do not get the attention they need due to lacking staff capacity. Project will enhance regional capacity.

Capacity - Smart & Efficient Permitting, Capacity - Technical Assistance, Community Health and Safety - Community Emergency Planning, Community Health and Safety - Fire-Safe Roads, Fire Resilient Forests - Fuel Management

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