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

RELEASE DATE: August 18, 2025

EXPANDING BIOMASS UTILIZATION AND BUILDING THE FORESTRY WORKFORCE

CAL FIRE awards grants to train future forestry workers and help small businesses expand their role in protecting communities from wildfire.

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has awarded $5 million in grant funding to eight projects that will create jobs, train future forestry workers and help small businesses expand their role in protecting California’s forests and communities from wildfire.

These projects are part of CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development Grant program, which supports innovative solutions to wildfire risk reduction and rural economic development. Since 2022, CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development program has awarded over $100 million in funding to over 100 projects across the state.

“From hands-on training for young adults to new mass timber production right here in California, these projects are helping build a more resilient future for our forests and our communities,” said Assistant Chief, John McCarthy of CAL FIRE’s Wood Products & Bioenergy Team. “We’re proud to support efforts that grow our workforce, increase forest health, and reduce pile burning by moving woody waste into beneficial use.”

Grants will support projects across the state, including:

• Job training for youth and entry-level forestry workers through the F.I.R.E. Bootcamp from Conservation Corps North Bay and Fire Forward’s workforce initiative by Audubon Canyon Ranch.

• A statewide mentorship program that connects college forestry students with experienced professionals, led by Placer Resource Conservation District.

• A web-based course developed by the California Licensed Foresters Association to help more people prepare for the state’s Registered Professional Forester exam.

• The long-running Forestry Challenge, which gives high school students hands-on experience in forest science and management.

• Business expansion support for Diversified Resources, Inc. and Thompson Land Management, who will purchase equipment to treat more acres for wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration.

• A major investment in innovative mass timber production at Mad River Mass Timber in Humboldt County, supporting new jobs and local use of sustainably harvested wood in construction.

Together, these eight projects will train more than 300 people, create or retain dozens of jobs, and increase the capacity to treat thousands of acres per year. A full list of grantees and project descriptions can be found on CAL FIRE’s Wood Products and Bioenergy Program webpage.

These investments align with California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, which outlines a path to improve forest health, protect communities, and create climate benefits through sustainable forestry. Funded through California Climate Investments and General Funds, these projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the forest sector.