A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
GSNR/GSFA Modoc National Forest Project Receives NEPA Approval
On November 7, 2025, the Forest Supervisor for the Modoc National Forest (MDF) signed the Final Decision Memo for the Modoc West Plantation Fuel Reduction Project, providing approval for the project in accordance with National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) requirements. The NEPA review for this project was prepared by Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) under a Supplemental Project Agreement (SPA) between Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) and the MDF.
The Modoc SPA launched in 2021 by GSFA/GSNR in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), to rehabilitate approximately 31,996 acres of overstocked former conifer plantations across Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties. This initiative seeks to enhance forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and foster economic growth in rural communities, aligning directly with the goals of GSNR.
The signing of the Final Decision Memo occurred following the completion of the USFS Heritage Implementation Plan and is another milestone in an extensive NEPA review process that began in spring 2023. During this review period GSFA/GSNR also completed eight comprehensive environmental reports, covering wildlife, botany, fisheries, management indicator species, hydrology/soils, silviculture, fuels, and cultural resources. These reports were developed through extensive fieldwork, stakeholder input, and expert collaboration.
With approvals now received, GSNR staff will work with the MDF leadership to assess their high priority areas on this acreage where the treatment may begin.
GSNR will provide additional details as efforts progress.
Learn more about the project and see the decision memo here.
GSCA Releases First Bid Package
Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) has begun the construction bid process for advancing its open access rural broadband network, called Golden State Fiber.
On Monday, November 17, 2025, GSCA officially issued its first bid package for construction of GSCA’s Glenn County Broadband Network project. The package was approved for release at the November 5, 2025, GSCA Executive Committee meeting. It is expected that all six remaining project bid packages will be issued on a staggered basis before the end of the calendar year. Permit submittals will follow each bid package release with project construction for many of the project areas anticipated to begin in spring of next year.