Bill of the Week: AB 431 (Patterson) -- Forestry: Timber Harvesting Plans: Defensible Space: Exemptions

RCRC has expressed support for Assembly Bill 431, authored by Assembly Member Jim Patterson (R-Fresno). Currently, state law exempts tree removal for the purposes of complying with defensible space requirements from state timber harvesting plan (THP) provisions. The exemptions are slated to expire on January 1, 2022, which would make it more difficult for residents in high fire risk areas to safeguard their homes from high severity wildfires.

AB 431 seeks to extend the THP exemption to January 1, 2026 to allow private residents to continue to safeguard their homes and property by easing their ability to comply with defensibly space requirements without the burden going through the THP process. RCRC’s letter is available here. For more information, contact Staci Heaton, RCRC Senior Regulatory Affairs Advocate, by email or call (916) 447-4806.