This week, RCRC staff joined the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) at a press conference announcing their awarding of $2 million to local Fire Safe Councils to reduce the increased risk of wildfires due to massive tree mortality in Northern and Central California. According to the U.S. Forest Service, tree mortality has reached more than 29 million trees due to historic drought and bark beetle infestations. The funds will be used to protect communities from wildfires in at least 18 high fire-risk counties by clearing brush and dead, dying, or diseased trees for the current fire season.
“Wildfires have been devastating our rural communities for years, and the increased risk due to drought and tree mortality will only escalate this problem,” said John Viegas, RCRC Chair and Glenn County Supervisor. “On behalf of RCRC’s 35-member counties I applaud PG&E’s proactive efforts to protect our communities, steward our resources, and protect California’s precious watershed.”
The selected recipients will be identified in the following weeks. The full press release can be accessed here.