Land Acknowledgement

SYRCL works throughout the Yuba River watershed on the Ancestral and Traditional homelands of the Nisenan Tribe, and includes shared boundaries with the Mountain Maidu, Konkow, and Washoe peoples. These tribes have lived here for millennia and live here still. We acknowledge and mourn the painful history of genocide and the devastation of lands and waters irreversibly altered.  We are grateful for opportunities to partner with the tribes to create a shared vision and rebalance our relationship to this place. 

YFN Updates and News

The next Yuba Forest Network quarterly meeting will be on Friday, August 1 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This meeting will be hybrid, with an in-person option at the SYRCL office and Nevada City and a Teams option as well. We will have a presentation from the Placer County Regional Forest Health Program discussing their project prioritization process and upcoming work. If you are interested in presenting at a future quarterly meeting, please email Kat Perlman at kat@yubariver.org to discuss opportunities. The recaps of previous quarterly meetings and discussions held are in the meeting notes saved in the YFN Google Drive.  If you are interested in YFN committees, please email Kat Perlman at kat@yubariver.org for more information.

We will be holding our second YFN field tour of the year later this summer in either August or September, final date TBD. We will be visiting one or more meadows restoration projects in the headwaters of the Yuba. Stay tuned for more info, and we hope you can join us!

If you would like to sign up for the YFN bimonthly newsletter on forest health/resiliency related topics you can register here for the listserv.

If you have any shapefiles to add to the Stakeholder Mapping Tool please zip them up and send them on over to Anne Marie at annemarie@yubariver.org.

News

Fire Safe Nevada County Launches Campaigns to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Fire Safe Nevada County Coalition is a new local, volunteer-powered, non-profit organization working with our communities to help them stay safer from wildfire.

Education is FSNCC’s primary approach to supporting and empowering residents, visitors and communities – especially Firewise Communities. Through sharing ideas, hands-on workshops, leadership mentoring, seasonal campaigns, supporting fire safety projects, and encouraging preparedness, FSNCC works with community members and organizations to build a stronger, more fire-resilient Nevada County.

Hands-on workshops have included how to safely pile burn and how to write Firewise Community Hazard Assessments and Action Plans and organizing and engaging volunteers. A recording of the “Tools for Fuel Reduction” presentation by fire scientist and FSNCC Board Chair Jo Ann Fites-Kaufman was posted on the FSNCC website for download. The website includes many other links to useful information. Newsletters have focused on actions to take, such as how much to reduce vegetation and fuels along roads for safer evacuations.

A recent wildfire preparedness event, Ready or Not – Wildfire Season is Here! – featured hands-on education stations hosted by individual Firewise Communities: a real go bag with contents spread out on a table, demonstration of low-cost vent upgrades using hardware cloth, a display of non-combustible Zone 0 materials (dirt, gravel, tiles), and a live demonstration of burning mulch.

Making wildfire preparedness fun is a key element of FSNCC’s approach. The event included free music, food and fun. A “wildfire ready” bingo game provided education on what red flag warnings are and what to do.

The event, held in Pioneer Park, was co-sponsored by Nevada City Office of Emergency Services. This on-going partnership is working toward the common goal of engaging more residents in Firewise Communities. Collaboration with other organizations, such as the Sierra Streams Institute, will be key in Nevada City. With all its streams and riparian habitat, reducing fire hazard in Nevada City will take a science-based, conservation approach.

The quarterly educational campaigns emphasize action, Fite-Kaufman said. “They also use a little humor, because we all need that in our lives.”

The spring campaign, Spring into Action, had messages focused on what to do ahead of wildfire season: “Procrastinators Beware! It’s not too late!” “Do the Dirty Work, Get ‘er done!” and “Embers are the Enemy.” Each is accompanied by helpful actions to take, like gutting the gutters, trimming the trees and moving your firewood.

The Summer campaign, Ready or Not, Wildfire Season is Here! reflects the increasing urgency of being ready for summer wildfire. Messages emphasize defensible space preparation, “Procrastinators beware! Prep it Like you Mean it!”; signing up for Code Red, “If You’re Not Signed Up, You’re Not Ready!”; and fireworks safety, “Fireworks and Forests don’t mix!”.

Fites-Kaufman said the organization has had a lot of positive feedback. “Firewise Communities are grateful for the practical education and support by fellow community members and Firewise Leaders.”

Download campaign materials. Subscribe to the FSNCC newsletter.

Nevada County recreation master plan a guide to help boost economy, protect communities

Nevada County’s new recreation master plan is a collaborative effort that will outline and prioritize County projects that will promote outdoor access and build wildfire resilience in a changing climate.

Projects that successfully improve environmental and economic conditions for rural communities embedded within public lands, such as national forests, require in-depth collaboration and advanced planning. After nearly two years, a recreation master plan that identifies both the focus areas and work needed to not only boost recreation but also protect natural resources and key infrastructure from wildfires and a warming climate, has been completed by Nevada County.

“This plan is a starting point for collaborating with our outdoor partners, supporting project strategy and planning, and connecting our communities through the love of recreation. Strengthening our recreation opportunities through the guidance of this plan will act as assurance to the local economy throughout the changes of our climate,” said Heidi Hall, Nevada County District 1 supervisor.
 
Learn more about the Nevada County Master Recreation Plan here.

Governor’s Monthly Update: California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force

Remote Participation: Participation is remote only. Microsoft Teams Meeting. Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device. Click here to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 229 338 412 961 3. Passcode: 6z62oc3L

Read the monthly update from the Governor, including information on upcoming regional meetings, forest health grant awards, federal updates, legislation watch, and the state Press Box- read the monthly update here.

Faster Permitting Without Compromising Environmental Protections 

A new Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) has been developed to enable critical wildfire safety projects to proceed expeditiously while protecting public health and the environment. The EPP requires applicants to comply with best management practices and measures to minimize impacts to environmental resources ensuring water and air quality, tribal cultural resources, and special-status species and their habitats are safeguarded.

CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants Workshop

CAL FIRE will be hosting an online virtual Office Hours for the FY 2025-2026 Wildfire Prevention Grant Program funded by the California Climate Investments (CCI) initiative and the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (Proposition 4). July 9th from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE: CAL FIRE Awards Nearly $72 Million to Landscape-Scale Forest Health Projects Across California

Through its Forest Health Program, CAL FIRE has awarded 12 grants (details of which are available on the Forest Health Program website) to local and regional partners carrying out projects on state, local, tribal, federal, and private lands. Designed to address critical forest health needs, these initiatives will reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem resilience, and enhance carbon sequestration across California’s diverse landscapes. Read more about these funding awards here.

Yuba Watershed and Fire Safe Council

Stay tuned here for more updates and information: https://yubafiresafe.org/meeting-info/

Sierra Business Council

Northern Rural Energy Network is live! The Sierra Business Council has launched the Northern Rural Energy Network’s residential programming, and we’re now offering our services to homeowners and renters alike! You can learn more about this regional program designed to help families in Northern California save money, boost energy efficiency, and build energy independence through free Energy Efficiency Kits, Home Energy Assessments, and accessible Rebates at NorthernREN.org. Also, check out the Promotional Toolkit for the new network.

Upcoming Events

Tahoe National Forest

Save the Date for Kids’ Fish Day on July 19th! Tahoe National Forest, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Sierra County Fish and Wildlife Commission welcome community members and visitors to the annual Kids’ Fishing Day at Packer Lake. This free event will take place on July 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. near 3901 Packer Lake Rd., Sierra City, Calif. Packer Lake will be stocked with fish for the event courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife and extra fishing poles will be available for children to borrow. Tahoe National Forest and Sierra County Fish and Wildlife Commission will be offering fun, educational arts and crafts focused on fish and other aquatic and terrestrial species found in the area. “Kids’ Fish Day is a staple summer event on the Tahoe National Forest, and we’re thrilled to continue offering it to the community,” said Tahoe National Forest Fisheries Biologist Dan Teater. “We look forward to a day outside, getting kids excited about fish and the outdoors.” 

Bear Yuba Land Trust

Join BYLT for their 3rd Community Land Art Project, an exploration in creating art from our natural surroundings. Led by local teaching artist, Caroline Fowler, participants will assist in collecting items from the forest floor and using those found materials in the creation of an art installation at Rice’s Crossing Preserve, North. The installation is an opportunity to connect with nature and each other, and will be on view for others to contribute to until it breaks down naturally. This event is free and open to all, so come on out and share in this creative experience!

• Saturday, July 19th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Meet at the Yuba Rim Trailhead at Rice’s Crossing Preserve, North
• This is a free, family-friendly event. Simply show up at the designated time and place to participate.

Sierra Streams Institute

The Bear River Watershed is one of the most wild and ecologically significant yet least studied watersheds in the state of California. In 2016, Sierra Streams Institute began conducting the Bear River Disturbance Inventory in partnership with the Bear River Stakeholders Group. Almost 10 years later, we revisit and update our analysis of ecological value, fire concerns, River Fire impacts, and opportunities for shared visioning of how the corridor between Rollins Reservoir and Highway 49 can be managed through community science. This talk is in partnership with Bear Protection and Restoration Collaborative (BearPARC). Come learn about what we know and don’t know about this unique river corridor, and take part in collaborative watershed management planning discussions! Arrive early to get a drink and a seat.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Gold Vibe Kombuchery, 12615 Charles Dr, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Fire Safe Nevada County Coalition

Eastern Regional Firewise Coalition Firewise Community Event: On Wednesday, July 9 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Community Recreation Center in Truckee, 10891 Truckee Way. Join us to learn how to stay safe and make your home and neighborhood more resilient!

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Forest Stewardship Field Day: UCANR’s Forest Stewardship and Post-fire Forest Resilience Programs are collaborating with CAL FIRE’s Lewis A. Moran Reforestation Center to host a field trip to the nursery facility in Davis, CA. Join us as we discuss cone collection and processing; seed processing; propagation and seedling care; and how forest landowners can assist in cone collection and obtain seedlings for their properties. July 18th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Learn more about L.A Moran HERE. Register for event here.

Address: 5800 Chiles Rd, Davis, CA 95618

California Natural Resources Agency: Public Listening Session

Forest Business Alliance

The Forest Business Alliance is hosting a Grant Management Workshop: FBA will offer insights, advice, and tips related to financial and programmatic reporting, as well as overall grant management. More information can be found here: https://www.forestbusinessalliance.org/workshops. Register now and reserve your spot! July 23rd, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.

30×30 Partnership 2025 Summit

All are welcome at the 30×30 Partnership 2025 Summit on Thursday, August 14th at the San Diego Natural History Museum in San Diego. Registration now open! Early bird rates through July 14th.  Check out 30×30 in action at local field trips in the San Diego area on Friday, August 15th! Field trip announcements and registration coming soon!

Society for Ecological Restoration’s World Conference

The Society for Ecological Restoration’s World Conference is an exciting and inspiring biennial gathering of global experts in ecological restoration, making the 11th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2025) in Denver, CO, the premier venue for those interested in being active members of the global restoration community. Early bird registration is now available here. Conference dates are scheduled for September 30th – October 4th.

Action Alerts

Are you trying to understand how all of the new executive orders are effecting your organization? The National Council of Nonprofits has created a resource that tracks whether and how Executive Orders issued by the Trump Administration affect nonprofits directly or indirectly.

Placer County Resource Conservation District

Please take Placer County RCD’s annual survey. Placer RCD continues to evaluate program success and areas for improvement. Therefore, we’re asking landowners to report on land management work that they completed (in 2024/2025) following attendance at any of our education or training events. Even if you have not completed work on your property or have not attended a training event yet, please fill out the survey – we want to know how the RCD can improve our service to the community. We work to secure funding that meets our community’s needs.

Take the survey here.

Recurring Meetings and Events

Nevada County OES: Stay tuned for details on the next Quarterly Wildfire Stakeholder Meeting!

Sierra Nevada 30×30 Regional Meeting: Contact Lis Olearts at liesbet@sierranevadaalliance.org for more information. Meetings occur monthly on the second Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the next meeting on July 9th on Zoom. 

Sierra County Fire Safe Council: The Fire Safe Sierra County Board of Directors meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10:00 am at either the Sierraville Ranger Station, Sierraville School, or the Sierra City Community Hall. Meetings are open to the public. Next meeting is Thursday, July 24th at 10:00 am at the Sierraville Schoolhouse. Teams link can be found on the website.

Forest Business Alliance: The FBA provides technical assistance, workshops, and a peer-learning network to increase local and regional capacity for applicants to CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development Program.

CA Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force 2025:  Regional Meeting: Inland Empire, location TBD September 4-5. Sacramento Meeting December 12, CNRA Auditorium, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Yuba Forest Network Quarterly Meeting: Email Kat Perlman at kat@yubariver.org for more details. The next Quarterly Meeting will be August 1 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm hybrid. Teams: Click here to join the meeting.

Fire Safe Nevada County Coalition: Contact the group here for more information. This is the new website of the previously-titled Nevada County Coalition of Firewise Communities. More information on FSNCC meetings coming soon.

Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council Meeting: The YWPFSC is changing their meeting structure! Check the linked website for more information. Contact Sandie Huckins for more information at programs@yubafiresafe.org. 

California Biodiversity Network Roundtable Discussions: Sentinel Site Network Roundtable Meeting August 7th, 2:00 – 3:30 pm. Stewardship Roundtable Meeting August 20th, 10 :00 – 11:30 am. Click here to sign up.

California Landscape Stewardship Network: Peer Learning Exchange every first Monday of the month. The next Peer Learning Exchange is on July 7th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Email Devin Landry at coordinator@clsn.org for more information.

Sci Pub: Sierra Streams Institute hosts SciPub at the Gold Vibe Kombuchary in Grass Valley every 4th Tuesday of the month. This is a science education lecture series on a variety of topics. The next Sci Pub will be on July 22nd from 6 to 7 pm, discussing Bear River ecology.

Webinars

July 24: National Trails Legislative Updates 2025

Developing local guides for designing ecological restoration projects: July 8, 2025, 1:00 pm

Prescribed Fire for Forest Management Series: July 9, 2025, 10:30 am

PRE-RECORDED WEBINARS

Prescribed Fire and Wilderness: Barriers and Opportunities in a Time of Change. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Spring 2024

Wildfire and Resilient Landscapes: New Tools for Detailed Analyses. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Spring 2024.

Reading the Tea Leaves: A WestWide Rangeland Fuel Assessment. Rocky Mountain Research Station, February 2025.

Grants

WCB APPLICATIONS FOR PROPOSITION 4 GRANTS ARE OPEN!

Please visit the WCB’s Grant Opportunities page to find out more.

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Wildfire and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program: funds projects within the Sierra Cascade region that reduce wildfire risk to people and communities that result in a combination of multiple watershed, ecosystem, and community benefits.

Rolling applications

Indian Land Tenure Foundation Cultural Awareness Grants: fund projects that maintain strong cultural and spiritual ties to the land in order to preserve traditional practices and Native American religious beliefs for future generations.

Rolling applications

Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP): established by Water Code section 7048 which declared that urban creek protection, restoration, and enhancement are best undertaken by local agencies and organizations with assistance from the State. The USRP funds projects and provides technical assistance to restore streams impacted by urban development to a more natural state.

Rolling applications

The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous People: Land, Water, and Climate Grant Program: supports the traditional land and water stewardship and life systems practices of federally recognized tribal nations and Indigenous-led nonprofit organizations.

Rolling applications

Vadon Foundation Grants support innovative community-based initiatives that sustain healthy, thriving, Indigenous nations in perpetuity, including language revitalization, food insecurity, community leadership, etc.

Rolling applications 

Trek Bicycle Corporation: The Trek Foundation Public Trail Development and Land Protection Initiative protects land, develops trail systems for public use, and provides more riders access to great places to ride.

Rolling applications

US FWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program: provides free technical and financial assistance to plan, design, supervise, and monitor customized habitat-restoration projects

Rolling applications 

The Headwaters Economics Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) Program is a technical-assistance program that provides support for communities to reduce wildfire risks through improved land-use planning, compelling communication, and applied research.

Rolling applications

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation: National Register Signage Grant Program: provides funds to government entities and nonprofit organizations to defray the costs of plaques or signs for public properties and historic districts that are placed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Rolling applications

The CA WCB 30×30 Grant Program: Land Acquisition supports high-priority land acquisition projects associated with the implementation of a natural community conservation plan (NCCP) and/or habitat conservation plan (HCP).

Rolling applications

The CA Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program  funds projects that provide climate adaptation and resilience on California’s natural and working lands.

Rolling applications

The CA Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) Forest Conservation Program for protection, restoration, and improvement of upper watershed lands in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains, including forest lands, meadows, wetlands, chaparral, and riparian habitat, in order to protect and improve water supply and water quality, improve forest health, reduce wildfire danger, mitigate the effects of wildfires on water quality and supply, increase flood protection, or to protect or restore riparian or aquatic resources.

Rolling applications

The CDFW Beaver Conflict Resolution Grant Opportunities: Nature Based Solutions: Beaver Restoration Program: supports the implementation and promotion of human-beaver coexistence strategies through funding for technical assistance and implementation of non-lethal beaver damage deterrence.

Rolling applications

The CDFW Restoration Grant Opportunities: Nature-Based Solutions (Part A): Wetlands and Mountain Meadows Restoration: expands nature-based solutions across California that will advance an approach to restoration that works with and enhances nature to help address societal challenges. Up to $2 million of this will be available for non-lethal beaver damage management. More information can be found in the Beaver Conflict Resolution Grant Opportunities Call for Projects.

Rolling applications

The Headwater Economics Community Planning and Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW) Program provides interdisciplinary teams that collaborate with communities to develop site-specific planning recommendations regarding wildfire risks.

Rolling applications

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sacramento District California In-Lieu Fee Program provides funding for on-the-ground implementation of aquatic-resource restoration, establishment, enhancement, and/or preservation projects in specific Sierra Nevada watersheds. Contact Chris Gurney for the most recent Notice of Funding Availability.

Rolling applications

The USDA Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program provides technical and financial assistance to plan and implement authorized watershed project plans for the purposes of flood prevention, watershed protection, public recreation, etc.

Rolling applications

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Landowner Support: Supporting Underserved and Small-Acreage Forest Landowner Participation in Emerging Private Markets Grant Program – Track B: supports the participation of underserved and/or small-acreage landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. Track B is for projects with budgets up to $2 million.

Rolling applications

The Hind Foundation Standard Grants Program: supports community-based projects proposed by nonprofit organizations in several areas, including plant and wildlife protection, historic landmark restoration, and ecosystem conservation.

Rolling applications

Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program: California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is accepting proposals for this Program, which seeks projects to mitigate environmental impacts caused by new or modified public transportation facilities. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal government agencies, federally recognized Native American Tribes, and nonprofit organizations. Approximately $8 million dollars will be available. 

Application Deadline: July 16, 2025.

CA Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program: promotes fish and wildlife habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement by supporting the implementation of high-priority natural community conservation plans.

Application Deadline: July 17, 2025.

The National Forest Foundation Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests and Communities (Standard Grants, due August 1; Mini-Grants, due July 25): capacity for collaborative planning efforts that lead to landscape-scale forest stewardship outcomes.

Land and Water Conservation Fund: Department of Parks and Recreation. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants provide funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians.  Since 1965, over one thousand parks throughout California have been created or improved with LWCF assistance.

Application Deadline: August 5, 2025.

CAL FIRE FY2025-26 Wildfire Prevention Grant: CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for fire prevention projects and activities in and near fire threatened communities. Funded activities include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Application Deadline: August 6, 2025.

The Parks California: Route to Parks Grant Program: supports local organizations in overcoming transportation challenges, ensuring historically marginalized communities can visit and enjoy California State Parks.

Application Deadline: August 8, 2025.

Joint Fire Science Program- BLM National Interagency Fire Cent (NIFC) Funding Program. The JFSP focuses on providing wildland fire science research to support effective land management decisions, complementing and extending the capabilities of other federal fire research programs. The program engages with the management/practitioner community to develop focused research priorities and solicits proposals through a rigorous peer-review process. Click link about to find out more.

Application Deadline: September 18, 2025.

Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access: Sierra Nevada Conservancy is accepting concept proposals for its Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Grant Program. This program will distribute approximately $4.1 million of remaining Proposition 68 funds to projects that enhance, promote, and develop sustainable recreation and tourism within SNC’s Sierra-Cascade service area.

Concept Proposals due by December 1, 2025. Review of final proposals in March 2026.

 30×30 Funding Resources: link to an excel Google Document for 30×30 related funding opportunities.

Literature and Resources

A new online streamlining request process from the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force now makes it easier to get State approval to implement critical wildfire risk reduction projects. Information on project eligibility, the Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan, FAQs, and the request form are available on the Task Force website.

PROJECT STREAMLINING REQUESTS WEBPAGE

Prescribed Fire Smoke Planning Tool

The SmokePath Explorer has been developed by Sonoma Technology in partnership with CAL FIRE as a new planning tool for prescribed fire. The tool analyzes 20 years’ worth of meteorological variables to generate the probability of smoke impacts from a prescribed fire. It also identifies the population, educational facilities, and healthcare facilities that have the potential to be affected by smoke. Essentially, it was built to help practitioners plan in advance the time window that would be best to burn and whom to contact to warn of potential smoke impacts.

UC ANR: Forest Stewardship Mapping Forest Features

New in Fire Science: Stanford Study on Controlled Burn

A new Standford-led study finds that controlled, low-intensity fires (prescribed burns) can slash wildfire intensity and dangerous smoke pollution across the western United States. Read more here!

Collaborative Conservation Tools & Resources

Western Collaborative Conservation Network (WCCN) and the Center for Collaborative Conservation (CCC) have put together a collaborative, live document: “Collaborative Conservation Tools and Resources”.

Free and Open-Source Geospatial Tools

A self-published book by Vance Russell (owner of VR Conservation Collective) provides resources and examples of open-source geospatial software and solutions. The book is intended for beginners with some knowledge of desktop tools such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS and a limited understanding of coding using Javascript or Python.

Stewardship Workforce Training Database

There is now an online database of stewardship workforce development programs across California, designed to support individuals and organizations interested in obtaining training, hiring stewards, and funding environmental workforce education. Share and explore opportunities to take stewardship action!

Find trail skills training (or add your own) and connect with well-trained, effective volunteers, contractors, and trails professionals.