CAL FIRE Announces $5 Million in Grants to Strengthen Tribal Wildfire Resilience

In a significant move to enhance California’s wildfire preparedness and honor traditional land management practices, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has unveiled a $5 million grant program specifically designed for Tribal Wildfire Resilience projects. This initiative represents a crucial step in bridging ancient wisdom with modern fire management strategies.

The program, which will accept applications through March 28, 2025, aims to empower California Native American tribes and tribal-led non-profit organizations in their efforts to manage ancestral lands and implement Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in wildfire resilience strategies. This funding opportunity reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that indigenous practices play in maintaining healthy forests and preventing catastrophic wildfires.

“This grant program isn’t just about fighting fires – it’s about restoring the deep connection between California’s tribal communities and their ancestral lands,” explains Matthew Reischman, CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Resource Management. “By supporting traditional land stewardship practices, we’re building a more resilient future for all Californians.”

This latest funding round builds upon CAL FIRE’s substantial commitment to tribal fire management. Since 2023, the department has awarded $24 million to various tribal projects, supporting twelve initial projects and an additional five in partnership with the California Natural Resource Agency’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program.

CALFIRE new release contributed to this article