Earlier this week, the California Forest Watershed Alliance (CAFWA), of which RCRC is a Charter Member, issued a letter offering recommendations regarding the Emergency Drought Response funds included in the Governor’s proposed State Budget.
The Department of Finance has suggested that the Emergency Drought Response Funds currently proposed for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) be shifted elsewhere due to the increased need for drought response in the forests. However, CAFWA believes there remains a compelling need to invest in forest restoration and fuels reduction to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire, reduce the likelihood that the current insect and disease epidemic will spread, and promote healthier, more resilient forests, and urge that these funds continue to be allocated to CAL FIRE for these purposes.
The letter can be accessed here. The CAFWA website can be accessed here.