California

Improving forest health and community protection, preservation and enhancement in the face of increased threats from wildfire, disease, insects, and expanding development.  Many forests are at high risk of catastrophic fire, due to years of insufficient  fuels management.  These conditions have also has made California forests more susceptible to insect infestations and disease.  And as the largest population state, California continues to face development pressures in desirable forested landscapes.

Mitigation and adaptation to the effects on forest ecosystems from climate change.  Climate change will exacerbate already critical concerns about future forest health.  With projected major rises in temperatures and more uncertain precipitation, forest ecosystems will need to be managed to preserve their fundamental integrity as providers of ecosystem services, wildlife habitat and timber.

Working to increase urban forestry programs in communities that would strongly benefit from the increased canopy cover, cooling effects and air quality improvements that trees offer. Much opportunity exists for increasing urban forestry, particularly in interior and warmer cities and towns across the state. In addition to their cooling and shading benefits which improve quality of life, urban forests act as carbon sinks to reduce greenhouse gases.