Community Fire and Ecosystem Restoration

In the face of rising temperatures, dwindling snowpack and increased risk of extreme wildfire and drought, now more than ever it is important that communities prevent watershed degradation, avoid increased carbon emissions, develop sustainable economic solutions, and safeguard the ecosystem services our area provides. Proper stewardship and an understanding of the ecological dynamics that shape our forested ecosystems play a vital role in the sustainable cycles of water recharge, retention, and dispersal in volcanic aquifers, the maintenance of patterns of habitat diversity and connectivity, and protection of communities from catastrophic megafires.

To reverse momentum towards ecosystem devastation, we must inform stakeholders and build community consensus for transitioning to restorative economies. Improving productive communication and effective cooperation are foremost priorities.

New initiatives we are now starting include collaborative efforts to strengthen sound forest management, reduce the threats of wildfire in the face of climate change, and restore healthy forest ecosystems in our bioregion. These programs include:

Prescribed Fire – we are participating in community prescribed fire activities, including the creation of a Mount Shasta Prescribed Burn Association. These efforts will foster collaborative learning regarding the best practices for responsibly utilizing prescribed fire techniques to build healthy forests.

Restoration – we are organizing ecosystem restoration efforts including invasive weed and bush removal from local lands and meadows

Monitoring Sensitive Ecosystems  – working with other organizations such as the Siskiyou Land Trust, we are helping to monitor and restore lands set aside as environmental reserves.

Timber Harvest Monitoring – following presentations on the laws and processes governing the review and approval of private Timber Harvest Monitoring Plans by CalFire and other government agencies, we are seeking funding and volunteers for an initiative to review and comment upon proposed timber harvests, based on environmental standards and to reduce the harm from excessive clear cutting.