Building community capacity through hands-on workshops, technical assistance, and grant funding to help landowners and managers protect and enhance Sonoma County's forests and watersheds while reducing wildfire risk.
Sonoma County has developed a comprehensive strategy to protect our landscapes and communities. The UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy & the Environment's foundational report provided critical guidance in developing the Resilient Forests & Watersheds Initiative, which represents our commitment to proactive, collaborative forest and watershed management.
"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
"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
One of Many Resources from Sonoma County
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.
Resilience Made Accessible
Sonoma 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.
Progress Towards Resilience
OUR IMPACT
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:
protected communities
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.
built local capacity
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.
leveraged resources
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.
enhanced ecosystems
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.
