December 14, 2023

The Northern Sonoma Fire Protection District (District) obtained a CAL FIRE California Climate Investments Fire Prevention Grant in 2019 to complete the Lake Sonoma Watershed Fire Prevention Project. 

In addition to completing 30 miles of roadside vegetation management totaling 150 acres along Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road, Old Skaggs Springs Road, and Rockpile Road, the grant also funded the following:

• Defensible space inspections
• North East Geyserville Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Partnering with The Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship on eight defensible space  demonstration sites
• Community workshops on defensible space, structural ignitability, and other wildfire preparedness topics
• Chipper for the County of Sonoma Public Infrastructure Department
• University of California Cooperative Extension to complete six landowner demonstrations and compile a property owner fuel reduction reference document

The District partnered with the County of Sonoma Public Infrastructure Department vegetation management along the three roads.  The vegetation management along Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road occurred after the 2020 Walbridge Fire which helped the area recover, and part of the vegetation management was after the low elevation snowfall in early 2023.  These areas have generally had less trees fall during windy conditions keeping the roads safe for motorists as well as moderating future wildfire intensity.

Lake Sonoma Watershed Fire Prevention Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

Contacts:

Marshall Turbeville, Chief Northern Sonoma County Fire District,

email:   mturbeville@nosocofire.com        tel: (707) 292-3754