Working Together for Healthy Forests: The California Shared Stewardship Program

Protecting our forests, one partnership at a time.

IECF serves as one of four Shared Stewardship (S2) Advisors in the California Shared Stewardship program, a collaborative effort funded by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) through an award from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and implemented by organizations like ours. In partnership with the USFS, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) manages the S2 Advisors.

This program aims to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risks across different land ownership boundaries, including the Los Padres National Forest; Angeles National Forest; San Bernardino National Forest; and Cleveland National Forest.

View the Shared Steward S2 Southern California Zone Advisor Area Map of Responsibility

Shared success

The Shared Stewardship program recognizes that no single entity can address forest challenges alone. It brings together the USFS, state agencies, local communities, and organizations like IECF to:

  • Make joint decisions: We work together to identify priority areas for treatment and restoration, ensuring everyone has a voice.
  • Focus on the right areas: Using science and mapping tools, we prioritize projects that have the most significant impact across different land boundaries.
  • Measure progress effectively: We track outcomes beyond just project completion, focusing on building more resilient forests that can withstand wildfires.
  • Simplify processes: We work together to streamline environmental compliance and planning, making it easier to get projects done.
RESOURCES
  • Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Grants | US Forest Service (usda.gov) (Deadline to apply: September 6, 2024)

    Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance grants support projects that remove hazardous fuels from national forests and grasslands to a location where the materials may be used for various wood products and services. The Forest Service is partnering with industry to discover creative solutions and explore new markets.

    Proposals and/or projects must explain how and why they reduce hazardous fuels and why transportation to locations where they can be utilized is the limiting factor. These materials must be removed from National Forest System lands and/or demonstrate benefit to the lands. Project level applications will only be accepted from existing projects, e.g. Forest Service Contracts and Agreements. Organizations supporting underserved communities and first-time applicants for federal funds are encouraged to apply.

    The Forest Service anticipates up to $25 million may be awarded through this funding opportunity. Applications are due by September 6th.

  • Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant Program | Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (thewflc.org) (Deadline to apply: Nov. 15, 2024)
    The Western Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Grant Program is officially accepting applications for FY2025. The submission deadline for applications is November 15th, 2024, at 5PM MST. Projects will be scored, and a ranked list will be submitted to the Washington Office ~ February 28, 2025. 

     

    Login information for Forestrygrants.org are only provided to Western State and Pacific Island Foresters; interested applicants must coordinate with their respective Forester to apply. Contact Kelson Perez, Forest Health Protection, Natural Resource Specialist if you need assistance identifying/connecting with the appropriate representative.  

    Federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations/Villages, and Tribal organizations are able to apply through this process but are encouraged to apply through the separate 2025 Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Tribes.

    Applicant Webinar Information: 

    WFLC is hosting an informational webinar to explain the LSR competitive grant program for the West. A recording of the webinar will also be made available for reference along with the slides on the LSR webpage. Use this registration link (also available on the LSR webpage) to learn more about the LSR program, guidance, application process, scoring, and grant portal.

     

  •  U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities, Inc. (closed April 22, 2024)
UPDATES

SHARED STEWARDSHIP UPDATES

Michelle Decker, IECF President and CEO, and David Hernandez, IECF Regional Forest and Fire Coordinator and Shared Stewardship Advisor, participated as panelists at the Summit. IECF attendance was in collaboration with US Forest Service as the S2 Advisor for the SoCal Zone, working on the Southern California Ignition Reduction Partners Project (SCIRP) in reducing roadside ignitions by removing invasive plant fuels near routes of travel.

PRESS BOX

IECF’s Role

As a Shared Stewardship partner, IECF plays a crucial role in:

  • Identifying cross-boundary projects: We work with local communities and USFS officials to understand needs and develop a 3-to-5-year plan for priority projects in our region.
  • Spreading the word: We connect local groups with funding opportunities and showcase successful projects, encouraging broader participation.
  • Sharing best practices: We regularly collaborate with other partners to share successes, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement.

Together, we can make a difference.

The Shared Stewardship program is creating real change by building stronger partnerships and implementing effective projects. By working together, we can build healthier forests, reduce wildfire risks, and create a safer future for our communities.

Here’s how you can help.

Protecting communities from devastating wildfires is paramount, especially in high-risk areas like Riverside County. In this critical juncture for our planet, the IE must invest in organizations and strategies that bolster climate and disaster resilience. Your donation to an Inland Empire Disaster Relief Fund will strengthen our communities during times of crisis and foster resilience for the years ahead.

David Hernandez

David Hernandez

Regional Forest and Fire Coordinator | Shared Stewardship Advisor

In addition to serving as Shared Stewardship Advisor, David Hernandez is the Regional Forest and Fire Coordinator for IECF. Hernandez will coordinate a two-year block grant of $1.6 million through the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program. The funds will help Riverside and parts of San Bernardino increase forest and fire resilience in the face of a changing climate.

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