Resilient Forests. Safer Communities.
Healthy Watersheds.
Building community resilience through workshops, technical support, and grant funding to protect Sonoma County’s forests and watersheds while reducing wildfire risk.
Together, we’re taking action. Grounded in UC Berkeley’s research and guided by a comprehensive strategy, the Resilient Forests & Watersheds Initiative is Sonoma County’s commitment to proactive, collaborative land stewardship.
Explore ResourcesResilient Forests.
Safer Communities.
Healthy Watersheds.
Building community resilience through workshops, technical support, and grant funding to protect Sonoma County’s forests and watersheds while reducing wildfire risk.
Together, we’re taking action. Grounded in UC Berkeley’s research and guided by a comprehensive strategy, the Resilient Forests & Watersheds Initiative is Sonoma County’s commitment to proactive, collaborative land stewardship.
"2017 was a wake-up call for Sonoma County’s wildfire preparedness. In 2022, the Board of Supervisors launched the Sonoma County Resilient Forests and Watersheds initiative to be more proactive in wildfire protection and risk reduction. This website offers a public tool to access County and local resources for wildfire resilience and resource management."
Lynda Hopkins,
Fifth District Supervisor
"We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Sonoma County Resilient Forests and Watersheds Initiative in making our County safer, more sustainable, and better equipped to withstand wildfires."
James Gore,
Fourth District Supervisor
The Resilient Forests and Watersheds Initiative is one of the many programs Sonoma County offers to help residents and communities become more resilient to wildfire threats and improve forest health.
FEMA-funded program providing free defensible space assessments and home hardening evaluations, with future rebates up to $10,000 planned for 2026.
Learn More about SoCo AdaptsFEMA-funded initiative implementing targeted mitigation projects in built and natural environments to reduce wildfire risks in high-risk areas.
Learn More about the bric projectStrategic framework assessing wildfire risks, identifying priority areas for fuel reduction, and recommending measures to reduce structural ignition risks.
Learn More about the CWPPCounty program that has distributed $11.3 million for 74 fuel reduction projects across 48,666 acres using prescribed burns, grazing, and vegetation removal.
Learn More about the Vegetation Management Grant ProgramGrant-funded programs helping property owners with hazardous vegetation inspection, abatement, and vegetation management planning.
Learn More about the Vegetation Management ServicesFree chipping service providing up to two hours per property to help create defensible space, serving over 800 properties annually.
Learn More about the Chipper ProgramInitiatives helping residents prepare for emergencies with training, exercises, and multiple methods for receiving alerts and warnings.
Learn More about the Emergency Management ProgramsSonoma County faces complex wildfire challenges, but you're not alone in preparing. Our comprehensive Resource Hub brings together expert guidance, local insights, and practical tools to help every community member enhance wildfire resilience. From homeowners to land managers, we provide targeted resources that meet your unique needs—because protecting our community starts with empowering individuals.
Since 2021, the Initiative has made significant progress in building wildfire resilience and enhancing forest health across Sonoma County. Through strategic grant funding and capacity building efforts, we have:
We have supported the treatment of over 5,426 acres of vegetation, including the creation of 92 miles of shaded fuel breaks to protect communities. Our work has enhanced defensible space for 630 homes and improved 64 miles of critical evacuation routes and roadside treatments.
By investing in technical training and community partnerships, we have helped establish a skilled workforce ready to implement vegetation management and prescribed fire activities. More than 1,500 people, including 190 landowners, participated in more than 50 in-person workshops, field training, and events. We are empowering landowners and managers with the knowledge and resources they need.
Our initial funding has attracted significant matching investments, including a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships to expand our impact across the landscape.
Our projects deliver multiple benefits beyond wildfire protection - from improving watershed health to enhancing wildlife habitat. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific best practices, we are fostering resilient landscapes that will benefit generations to come.
Looking ahead, we continue to expand our reach through innovative partnerships and strategic investments that promote both ecological and community resilience across Sonoma County.