To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Mike Wilson
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
10:00 AM - Report on the Implementation of Humboldt County’s Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a report on the implementation of Humboldt County’s Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Sustainable Natural Resources & Infrastructure Stewardship
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors will receive an update on the outcomes and achievements of the Wildfire County Coordinator Program.
Since 2021, the County of Humboldt received three grant awards from the California Fire Safe Council, with funding from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to support this program. The objective of the statewide Wildfire County Coordinator Program is to educate, encourage and develop county-wide community collaboration and coordination among wildfire mitigation groups operating within counties containing State Responsibility Area lands.
The program is facilitated in Humboldt County by a county coordinator team made up of Humboldt County Public Works’ Natural Resources planning staff and staff from the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District. The Humboldt County program has catalyzed progress on the implementation and update of the Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) through enhanced countywide collaboration, resulting in increased capacity and partnerships among local wildfire mitigation groups. Members of this coordinator team work to both educate and learn from local mitigation groups, the Board appointed Humboldt County Fire Safe Council, and other CWPP implementation partners as they collectively work toward a shared vision of a wildfire resilient Humboldt County. The coordinator team also supports the basic organizational functions of the Humboldt County Fire Safe Council.
Additional funding has been applied for and is expected to sustain this important coordination work through October 2027.
This report will provide details on recent achievements and lessons learned.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Grant funds from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as part of its California Climate Investment Program; awarded through the California Fire Safe Council’s Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The County Coordinator Grant Program covered the costs associated with organizing and delivering this presentation. There are no impacts on the county’s General Fund.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There are no increased staff impacts associated with presenting this update to the Board.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Resource Conservation District
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
N/A
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 12/7/2021; 5/7/2024; 12/3/2024
File No.: 21-1731; 24-778; 24-1609