A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
Golden State Connect Authority
RCRC-affiliate Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) continues to make steady progress expanding reliable, high-speed internet to rural California. Construction is underway on the Golden State Fiber network in Glenn County, the first project in GSCA’s regional broadband initiative. At the same time, GSCA is advancing engineering, environmental review, permitting, and operational planning for additional project areas, while preparing for future network launch through its recently completed open-access internet service provider procurement process.
These efforts reflect GSCA’s continued transition from planning to implementation as it works to bring reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity to rural California communities.
Golden State Natural Resources: First Project Completed Under the Pilot Biomass Transport Project
RCRC-affiliate Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) is pleased to announce the successful completion of hauling operations for the Grizzly Flats Cull Deck Removal Project, marking the first project implemented under its Pilot Biomass Transport Project. The initiative is designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health by transporting previously felled biomass, roundwood, and hazardous fuels from National Forest System lands to regional businesses where these materials can be put to productive use.
Supported by a $3.34 million Stewardship Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, the Grizzly Flats Cull Deck Removal Project in the Eldorado National Forest is the first project completed under the agreement. Since hauling operations began in December 2025, more than 400 truckloads (an estimated 10,325 green tons) of previously felled cull logs resulting from the Caldor Fire have been transported to three end-use facilities, where the material is being used for renewable energy generation and wood products manufacturing instead of remaining on the landscape.
Building on the success of this first project, GSNR is working with the U.S. Forest Service to identify additional deck removal opportunities across multiple National Forests, further advancing forest resilience, wildfire risk reduction, and rural economic development throughout California.
Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority: ESJPA Presents Strategic Update and Visits Solid Waste Site in Glenn County
On Tuesday, July 14, RCRC-affiliate Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) Deputy Executive Director Staci Heaton appeared before the Glenn County Board of Supervisors to highlight ESJPA’s solid waste advocacy and technical assistance efforts. Following the board meeting, Heaton, along with ESJPA Principal Consultant Larry Sweetser and Legislative Analyst Travis Legault, joined county staff for a site visit to the Glenn County Transfer Station located near Willows.