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How to Access $5 Million for Tribal Wildfire Resilience

SACRAMENTO– The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is announcing the availability of up to $5 million for Tribal Wildfire Resilience projects. CAL FIRE is soliciting applications for projects that work to support California Native American tribes in managing ancestral lands. This includes implementing and promoting Traditional Ecological Knowledges in wildfire resilience. Also, creating wildfire safety for tribal communities.

Applications will be accepted from now via the Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants webpage. Applications are due by 12:00 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025. Eligible applicants are California Native American tribes and tribal-led non-profit organizations with documentation.

“Supporting California tribes through Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants demonstrates CAL FIRE’s commitment to protecting communities, restoring ecosystems, revitalizing traditional land stewardship, and building a resilient future for people and our state,” said Matthew Reischman, CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Resource Management.

Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants fund projects in cultural and prescribed fire, fuels reduction, forest resilience, restoration of culturally important ecosystems, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, training, and planning projects that include mapping, environmental compliance, and developing forest/fire management plans. Therefore, these actions foster the future well-being of resilient ecosystems and tribal communities while also helping to mitigate climate change, protect communities from fire risk, strengthen rural economies, revitalize traditional land management practices, and improve California’s water resources and air quality.

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CAL FIRE actively provides grant funding for Tribal Wildfire Resiliency projects, including   $24 million going to eligible applicants in 2023. The first 12 projects receiving awards are available on our webpage. An additional five projects are receiving funds in partnership with California Natural Resource Agency’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program.

Online office hours will be available throughout the application period. CAL FIRE’s Tribal Wildfire Resilience staff will also be available to answer questions about the grant process and requirements. Please check the Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants webpage for details. Please send any questions you have to TribalWildfireResilienceGrants@fire.ca.gov.

The Tribal Wildfire Resilience grant program is funding projects that actively complement California’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience Action Plan and California’s Strategic Plan for Expanding the Use of Beneficial Fire.

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