🌲 Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation Receives $10,000 Grant

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Healthy Forest Alliance Awarded Contract to Provide Training through Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant Administered by The Watershed Research and Training Center

Truckee, California – Healthy Forest Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on wildfire mitigation and forest health, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract to provide specialized training through the Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant. This grant is administered by the Watershed Research and Training Center and aims to expand opportunities for workforce development in underserved communities, with a particular focus on wildfire resilience and fire management skills.

As part of this initiative, Healthy Forest Alliance will deliver a comprehensive training program that includes essential skills and certifications for wildfire response and fire management. The program is designed to equip local workers, community members, and fire practitioners with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to participate in wildfire mitigation efforts, including prescribed fire, forest restoration, and wildfire response.

Key components of the training program will include:

• Firefighter Type 2 Training (S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100): Participants will receive training in the fundamentals of wildland firefighting, including fire safety, basic fireline tactics, and suppression operations. This course is essential for those looking to join fire crews or contribute to wildfire response efforts.

• Work Capacity Test (WCT): As part of the training, participants will undergo the Work Capacity Test, a physical fitness assessment that is required for many fire management positions. This test ensures that participants are physically prepared for the demands of wildfire fighting and mitigation work.

• Chainsaw Operations (S-212): This course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to safely operate chainsaws in wildland fire environments. It covers chainsaw maintenance, safety protocols, and operational techniques for thinning vegetation and creating firebreaks.

• Job Readiness and Workforce Development: In addition to fire management skills, the program will offer workforce development components, such as resume building, job application assistance, and career mentorship, aimed at helping participants transition into sustainable employment in fire management and related fields.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Watershed Research and Training Center to offer this essential training program, which will provide valuable career opportunities to individuals in underserved communities while also helping to reduce wildfire risks in the areas we serve,” said Richard Carvalho, Training Officer of Healthy Forest Alliance. “By offering training in critical fire management skills, we can help build a more resilient and diverse workforce ready to meet the challenges of California’s wildfire crisis.”

The Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant seeks to address the growing demand for skilled workers in fire management and wildfire resilience, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for underserved communities. This project is particularly timely given the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across California, and the need for a skilled, diverse workforce to help address these challenges.

About Healthy Forest Alliance
Healthy Forest Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing forest health, wildfire mitigation, and ecological restoration across California. The organization uses science-based management practices, including prescribed fire, to promote fire-resilient landscapes, protect communities, and restore habitats. Healthy Forest Alliance works with landowners, agencies, and local communities to reduce fire risks and improve forest ecosystems.

About the Watershed Research and Training Center
The Watershed Research and Training Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving watershed health and wildfire resilience across Northern California. The Center offers training and technical assistance to landowners, fire practitioners, and local communities, supporting them in their efforts to enhance fire resilience, manage landscapes, and protect vital natural resources. Through the Equitable Workforce Development Training Grant, the Center strives to expand opportunities for marginalized and underserved communities to gain skills in the growing field of fire management.

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Tanner Low
Public Information Officer
Healthy Forest Alliance
Phone: 888-336-1389
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Healthy Forest Alliance Wins Contract to Provide Prescribed Fire Site Visits, Burn Plans, and Training for Jackson Creek Healthy Forest from Amador Resource Conservation District

Jackson Creek, CA – November 1, 2024 – Healthy Forest Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to forest health and wildfire mitigation, is excited to announce that it has been awarded a contract by the Amador Resource Conservation District (ARCD) to conduct prescribed fire site visits, develop burn plans, and provide training for the Jackson Creek Healthy Forest project. This collaboration aims to enhance forest resilience, reduce wildfire risks, and support sustainable land management practices in the Jackson Creek area of Amador County.

The contract includes a wide range of services designed to improve the ecological health of the forest, including:

• Site Visits: Healthy Forest Alliance will conduct thorough on-site assessments to evaluate current forest conditions, identify areas at high risk of wildfire, and determine the appropriate approach for prescribed fire.
• Burn Plans: The nonprofit will develop customized burn plans in line with state and federal guidelines to ensure safe and effective prescribed burns. These burns will help reduce fuel loads, enhance wildlife habitat, and lower the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
• Training: The project will provide valuable training opportunities for local landowners and stakeholders, covering prescribed fire techniques, safety protocols, and best practices for wildfire mitigation.

“Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to restore ecosystems and reduce wildfire risks,” said Richard Carvalho, California State Certified Burn Boss of Healthy Forest Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with the Amador Resource Conservation District on the Jackson Creek Healthy Forest project, which will not only protect the local community but also promote long-term forest health and resilience.”

The Jackson Creek area has been identified as a priority for wildfire mitigation due to its vulnerable ecosystem and proximity to residential areas. The prescribed fire activities supported by this project will help restore balance to the landscape, manage vegetation, and protect the community from future wildfires. Additionally, the project will offer educational resources and hands-on training to empower local landowners and residents in wildfire prevention efforts.

About Healthy Forest Alliance
Healthy Forest Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fire-adapted landscapes and advancing ecological restoration through science-based forest management practices. The organization specializes in wildfire prevention, prescribed fire, and forest health, collaborating with government agencies, communities, and landowners to reduce fire risks and restore the health of California’s forests.

About Amador Resource Conservation District (ARCD)
The Amador Resource Conservation District is a nonprofit organization that supports the sustainable stewardship of natural resources in Amador County. ARCD works with landowners, ranchers, and communities to enhance environmental health, reduce wildfire risks, and improve the overall ecological resilience of the region.

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Tanner Low
Public Information Officer
Healthy Forest Alliance
Phone: 888-336-1389
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Healthy Forest Alliance Awarded Subcontract to Assist with Prescribed Fire Training, Implementation, and Fire Apparatus/Equipment in Butte, Plumas, and Lake Counties through the Watershed Research and Training Center

[City, CA – Date] – Healthy Forest Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on wildfire mitigation and forest health, is excited to announce that it has been awarded a subcontract to assist with prescribed fire training, implementation, and the provision of fire apparatus and equipment in Butte, Plumas, and Lake Counties. This initiative will be conducted in partnership with the Watershed Research and Training Center, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to watershed restoration and wildfire resilience in Northern California.

As part of this subcontract, Healthy Forest Alliance will provide a range of services to support fire resilience and community preparedness, including prescribed fire training, hands-on implementation, and the availability of critical fire apparatus and equipment. The goal is to enhance local capacity for wildfire risk management and restore fire-adapted ecosystems through the use of controlled burns.

Key components of the project will include:

• Prescribed Fire Training: Healthy Forest Alliance will offer hands-on, field-based training for local fire practitioners, landowners, and stakeholders. Participants will gain skills in safely conducting prescribed burns, fire behavior analysis, and fireline operations.
• Prescribed Fire Implementation: Healthy Forest Alliance will assist in planning and executing prescribed fire operations, ensuring that burns are conducted safely and effectively to reduce hazardous fuel loads and restore healthy fire regimes.
• Fire Apparatus and Equipment Support: Healthy Forest Alliance will provide critical fire apparatus and equipment, including specialized vehicles, tools, and gear, to help with prescribed burn operations and wildfire response. This support will ensure that local teams have the necessary resources to conduct burns and manage fire events.
• Community Outreach and Education: In addition to training, the project will include outreach efforts to educate the public and local communities on the benefits of prescribed fire as a tool for wildfire prevention, forest restoration, and ecosystem health.

“Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to manage our landscapes and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said Richard Carvalho, Training Officer of Healthy Forest Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with the Watershed Research and Training Center to deliver this critical training and support, including fire apparatus and equipment, to Butte, Plumas, and Lake Counties. This collaboration will help local communities build greater resilience to wildfires and enhance their ability to manage their landscapes.”

The project is particularly timely, as these counties have experienced devastating wildfires in recent years. By providing communities with the resources, knowledge, and equipment needed for prescribed fire, the initiative aims to reduce hazardous fuel loads, enhance wildlife habitat, and promote the restoration of fire-resilient ecosystems.

About Healthy Forest Alliance
Healthy Forest Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing forest health, wildfire mitigation, and ecological restoration across California. The organization uses science-based management practices, including prescribed fire, to promote fire-resilient landscapes, protect communities, and restore habitats. Healthy Forest Alliance works with landowners, agencies, and local communities to reduce fire risks and improve forest ecosystems.

About the Watershed Research and Training Center
The Watershed Research and Training Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving watershed health and wildfire resilience across Northern California. Through training, technical assistance, and collaborative efforts, the Center supports communities, landowners, and agencies in their efforts to manage and restore natural landscapes while reducing wildfire risks. The Watershed Research and Training Center also provides training in fire management, prescribed burns, and forest restoration techniques.

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

Tanner Low
Public Information Officer
Healthy Forest Alliance
Phone: 888-336-1389
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Press Release

Healthy Forest Alliance Assists Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association with Pioneering Foresters Training Exchange

For Immediate Release

The Healthy Forest Alliance proudly partnered with the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association to host California’s first-ever Foresters Training Exchange (TREX) from June 3-6, 2024, introducing foresters to the principles and practices of managing forests with prescribed fire. This groundbreaking event, held in the Coastal Redwoods at Mount Madonna, featured a successful 35-acre prescribed burn.

The Foresters TREX program provided hands-on training and knowledge-sharing opportunities, bringing together foresters, land managers, and fire professionals to explore how prescribed fire can enhance forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and restore ecosystems. The event emphasized collaborative approaches to fire management, combining traditional forestry practices with ecological fire use.

"Prescribed fire is an essential tool for maintaining the health of California’s forests, especially in ecosystems like the Coastal Redwoods," said [Insert Name/Title]. "This training exchange marks a pivotal step in equipping California foresters with the tools and knowledge they need to safely and effectively use fire as a management strategy."

The highlight of the event was the 35-acre prescribed burn at Mount Madonna. Participants gained hands-on experience planning, igniting, and managing the fire while learning about fire behavior, safety protocols, and ecological benefits. The burn demonstrated the critical role prescribed fire plays in reducing hazardous fuels, promoting biodiversity, and supporting forest resilience in the face of climate change.

The Healthy Forest Alliance remains committed to advancing prescribed fire practices across California and building partnerships to address the state’s wildfire challenges. This successful collaboration with the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association showcases the potential of TREX programs to empower professionals, strengthen communities, and promote sustainable forest management.

For more information about the Foresters Training Exchange or the Healthy Forest Alliance, please contact:

Richard Carvalho
Excutive Director
888-336-1389