The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has announced a $5 million (£4.29 million) investment in eight projects aimed at creating jobs, training the next generation of forestry workers, and helping small businesses play a greater role in protecting forests and communities from wildfires.
The funding comes through CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development Grant programme, which supports innovative approaches to reducing wildfire risk while promoting economic growth in rural areas. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has distributed over $100 million (£85.7 million) to more than 100 projects across the state.
“From hands-on training opportunities for young adults to new mass timber production within California, these initiatives are helping to build a more resilient future for both our forests and communities,” said Assistant Chief John McCarthy of CAL FIRE’s Wood Products and Bioenergy Team. “We are proud to support efforts that expand the workforce, improve forest health, and make use of woody waste instead of burning it.”
The latest round of grants will fund a variety of initiatives, including job training programmes for youth and entry-level forestry workers, mentorship schemes connecting college forestry students with experienced professionals, and web-based courses to prepare candidates for the state’s Registered Professional Forester exam. High school students will continue to gain hands-on experience in forest science and management through long-running educational programmes. The grants also provide business expansion support for companies to purchase equipment to treat more land for wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration. In Humboldt County, investment in mass timber production will create new jobs while encouraging the local use of sustainably harvested wood in construction.
Altogether, the projects are expected to train more than 300 individuals, create or retain dozens of jobs, and expand the capacity to manage thousands of acres each year. These investments are in line with California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, which sets out strategies to improve forest health, protect communities, and deliver climate benefits through sustainable forestry practices. Funding comes from California Climate Investments and General Funds, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the forestry sector.
CAL FIRE invests $5 million to expand biomass use and train forestry workers
