CAL FIRE and BLM sign ‘Good Neighbor’ agreement
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has signed a statewide agreement with the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
The agreement was arranged under a nationwide initiative known as the Good Neighbor Authority, which enables federal agencies such as the BLM and the US Forest Service (USFS) to allow state and local government bodies to operate on federal land for specific purposes.
Traditionally, BLM and USFS were solely responsible for the management of federal land, which often led to challenging negotiations between state and federal authorities.
Under the new arrangement, CAL FIRE will be able to create fuel breaks in areas controlled by the BLM, which connect with ones in areas managed by the state authorities, with the aim of reducing the threat of wildfires.
CAL FIRE will also be able to collaborate in other projects on BLM-managed land, such as the thinning of excessively dense stands, timber harvesting, mechanical fuel reduction, prescribed fire, grazing, and reforestation.
BLM oversees 15 million acres of public land in California, approximately 15 per cent of the state’s total land mass.
“We are excited to partner with CAL FIRE on important projects in BLM-managed public lands throughout California,” said BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen. “These agreements will result in better coordination for activities to reduce fuels that feed wildfires, protect wildlife habitat, improve forest health, and restore important watersheds.”
Matthew Reishman, Deputy Director for Resource Management at CAL FIRE added: “Through strategic planning and joint efforts, this partnership streamlines planning steps and seeks to foster a healthier and more resilient environment—one that is better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by wildfire and other ecological stressors.”
Wildfires have posed a growing threat to California in recent years – CAL FIRE has responded by growing the size of its fleet accordingly.