CONTACT: CAL FIRE PIO (916) 651-3473 Calfire.dutypio@fire.ca.gov

RELEASE DATE: March 2, 2026

Sacramento – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is announcing the availability of up to $120 million for Forest Health projects that address extreme disturbance events including catastrophic wildfires, drought, and pest mortality.

CAL FIRE is accepting applications for landscape-scale forest management and restoration efforts designed to improve ecosystem resilience, reduce wildfire risk, and deliver climate benefits such as increased carbon storage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“Healthy forests are already delivering real results on the ground—lower wildfire intensity, safer communities, improved wildlife habitat, and stronger natural systems that store carbon and withstand climate stress,” said CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Natural Resource Management, Eric Huff. “By investing in science-based forest management including reforestation, CAL FIRE continues to accelerate the pace and scale of work needed to protect California’s landscapes and ensure our forests remain resilient for generations to come.”

The Forest Health Program encourages proposals from tribes; local, state, and federal government organizations; nonprofit organizations; and other eligible entities that demonstrate strong ecological outcomes, cross-boundary collaboration, and meaningful community engagement. Since 2017, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $750 million in Forest Health grants. These projects have assisted in restoring and replanting our state’s forests. Reducing wildfire risk, mitigating climate change, protecting communities, supporting rural jobs, and improving California’s water and air—helping ensure healthy forests for the future. See previously awarded projects on the CAL FIRE Awarded Grant Projects Dashboard.

This solicitation includes two parallel funding opportunities totaling $120 million: $55 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and $65 million from Proposition 4 (California Climate Bond). Both funding sources will follow the same timeline and application process; applicants seeking consideration under both must submit separate applications because of different requirements in each funding source.

For the first time, the Forest Health Program will use a two-step application process to reduce applicant burden. Concept proposals will be accepted from March 2 through March 30, 2026, and the most competitive proposals will be invited to submit full applications during the second phase.

A virtual pre-recorded workshop will be made available to explain the grant process and requirements. Please check the Forest Health webpage to view the workshop. Any questions can be directed to ForestHealth@fire.ca.gov.

The Forest Health program is supported by both California Climate Investments, which invests proceeds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund through California’s cap-and-invest program in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit disadvantaged communities, and Proposition 4 California Climate Bond, which provides funding for climate resilience and natural resource protection across California. Together, these investments support large-scale forest restoration and wildfire resilience efforts.

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