Success Stories

The Gentry Creek Watershed Improvement Project is a Category 1 Project located in Northern Mariposa County, near the community of Greely Hill and within the North Fork of the Merced River Watershed. The project area is located in an area that was hit hard by the drought and suffered extreme bark beetle infestation with approximately 77-80% pine mortality. The project successfully reduced fuel loads and increased wildfire resiliency by felling and removing beetle-killed pine trees on 300 acres of private forestland parcels each owned by one of 24 landowners. In total 2,590 trees were felled and 158 truckloads of timber, approximately 4,000 tons of biomass, were removed from the project area to reduce the community’s fuel load and fire risk. This project’s most notable/successful project outcome was the partnership with CAL FIRE’s Mt Bullion crew, as well as the coordination with other local efforts such as the Red Tsunami project on the Stanislaus National Forest.  Mt. Bullion’s contribution to the slash mastication meant that we were able to remove the additional dead and dying trees that had expired since the project application was submitted.  Although the crews experienced multiple delays, in the end they were able to complete all needed mastication on the 300 acres in under 120 days, so the project was completed under budget.

In June 2010 Yosemite West, a residential community adjacent to Yosemite National Park, received their fifth and final National Fire Plan grant to create defensible space. The grant is from the National Park Service through the California Fire Safe Council. The grant will create defensible space on 44.45 acres – the last project area surrounding the 109-acre community. This multiple-year implementation of the fuel reduction projects identified in the Yosemite West Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) has encouraged participation among community members who have seen the success of other phases of the project from prior years. Project Technical Contact, John Mock explains, “This project brought together members of a sometimes divided, isolated community. Fire safety is one issue that a majority of the community members can agree on. As a result, community members talk more often about other issues and better understand their neighbors.” The overall CWPP called for multiple types of treatment to remove ladder fuels and understory fuels, including chipping, lop-and-scatter and mastication.  The CWPP allowed for modification of prescriptions to address unanticipated issues such as stem density, downed wood, and dead trees. Mariposa County Fire Chief Jim Wilson has described Yosemite West as, “a model for Mariposa County.” In 2011 alone, Yosemite West was potentially threatened by two wildfires; the Avalanche Fire, and the Motor Fire, which burned a total of 6,400 acres. The project had fuel reduction crews in the community working before the fires started – reinforcing the vital importance of such fuel reduction projects. We would like to congratulate Yosemite West for their ten-year commitment to fire safety!

USDA Forest Service Woody Biomass Utilization Grant in the amount of $134,225. This is great success for all like-communities throughout the Sierras as the results of this project aims to create a model for economically sustainable biomass utilization that reduces costs of forest restorations projects and provides community jobs. The “North Fork Community-Scale Biomass Demonstration Project” was one of twenty renewable wood energy projects funded nationwide. These grant dollars will allow for the completion of major pre-development tasks allowing for the financing and construction of community-scale (1MW) combined heat and power facility on the North Fork Mill Site. TSS Consultants, under a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant, has recently completed a feasibility evaluation that examined local biomass supply, land characteristics, and markets. The study concluded that a small biopower facility providing renewable energy generation, value added utilization of forest biomass in support of hazardous fuels reeducation activities, and long-term family wage jobs would be the most appropriate activity at the site. You will find this feasibility study attached along with the USDA New Release and snapshot of their website. The Yosemite/Sequoia RC&D actively promotes utilization of both agricultural and forest biomass materials to produce value added products and energy to support our communities. Examples include: Hosting the Biomass for Energy and a Better Environment Conference. Seeking economically feasible uses for biomass materials through our MC2 Feasibility Study . In this study we are identifying what materials may be available through fire hazard reduction projects, identifying potential markets for the materials, and determining the feasibility of collecting and utilizing the materials. Working with agencies, and other partners to assess the economic and social values of biomass utilization including: improved air quality and reduced health care costs associated with poor air quality, reduced saturation of landfills,improved watershed health and increased water quality and quantity, reduced risks to our communities and lower fire suppression costs, improved fish and wildlife habitat, improved forest health, and others. Educating local citizens and representatives about biomass utilization issues. We are striving to increase awareness of biomass related issues amongst resource management agencies, legislators, special interest groups and local citizens. We hope to increase business opportunities that provide economic stability for our struggling communities, as well as support environmental health.

CHIP is a free service for disabled, those on assistance, seniors and Tribal members, this program chips hazardous fuels on properties that have already brushed and piled their debris. In 2010 CHIP conquered more than 200 acres with the assistance of local non-profit Mono Nation. The program is once again underway with a will be expanding to all the foothill communities within Fresno, Madera, Mariposa and Tulare counties. In order to effectively reach all four counties, the Council has partnered with four Fire Safe Councils that will help take on the load. Furthermore, local non-profit The Foundation for Resource Conservation has taken the lead on all day-to-day chipping activities. This round CHIP has created six jobs and chipped over 100 acres.

This project was launched in the Winter of 2003 in Mariposa County. The intention was to create a network of farmers, ranchers, artisans, and bed & breakfast owners throughout the county. In the Spring of 2003, the Council received a grant from the US Forest Service, in conjunction with the Central Sacramento RC&D Council to further its efforts. We are currently working to extend this project throughout the four counties we serve to create a network of opportunities for tourists by and will be developing a mini-workshop series for interested business as well as assist with small business planning

The Eastern Madera Wildfire Reforestation Project is focused on reforesting 350 acres of Sierra National Forest burned in the 2014 French Fire. The project site is located near Mile High Vista along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. This particular area was chosen because of the high severity of wildfire. The project is being managed by the Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council (Y/S RC&DC) in coordination with the Bass Lake Ranger District. Reforestation will improve watershed conditions by restoring severely burned areas to forested conditions, reducing sedimentation and turbidity, and improving water quality for downstream users. It will also improve habitat by providing stabilization that reduces erosion of stream banks and meadows. Additionally, reforestation of landscapes will provide canopy cover beneficial for wildlife.  This reduction in sedimentation would also would benefit public utility infrastructure, including Southern CA Edison and PG&E hydroelectric facilities, transmission infrastructure and systems. Funding for this project has been provided by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, an agency of the State of California, under the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1) grant cycle and in support of the Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program. Additional funding has been provided by the Bass Lake Ranger District, the Arbor Day Foundation and Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Council.

The Madera Strategic Wildfire Mitigation Project was proposed by Yosemite/Sequoia RC&DC. The purpose of this project was to fund the strategic implementation of fuel breaks and defensible landscape projects in the Upper Chowchilla/Fresno River and the Upper San Joaquin River Watersheds.  These fuel breaks addressed fuel loading and provided defensible lines in case of fast moving wildfire. Approximately 2,000 acres were treated, which protected 15,000 habitable structures in Eastern Madera County, as well as businesses, infrastructure, and community resources.  Treatments varied depending on fuel types and conditions (slope, elevation, etc.) but included tree felling, mechanical or hand crew thinning, chipping, and pile burning, accomplishing public safety and fuel reduction goals.

The goal of the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (RFFCP) is to increase the capacity of land managers, local agencies, and nonprofits in the Southern Sierra Nevada to work together in planning, funding, and implementing forest health and wildfire prevention projects.  ​ The capacity building gave other partners opportunities to join workshops and learning sessions from SNC and Y/S RC&DC. Partner organizations were offered project partnerships, and the Sierra National Forest gained a platform to implement projects on their land.

The Blue Rush Site Preparation and Stand Maintenance Project showcases how proactive forest management can protect communities while restoring ecosystem health. Located in the Big Creek Watershed of Fresno County, this effort has already transformed 350 acres of dense, fire-prone forest into safer, more resilient landscapes. Through mechanical and hand treatments, crews removed drought- and beetle-killed trees, thinned overly dense stands, and prepared burn units for future prescribed fire. By reducing hazardous fuels in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), the project strengthens protection for nearby communities including Shaver Lake, Cressmans, Pineridge, and Dinkey Creek. It also safeguards the upper watershed of the Kings River, which sustains over one million acres of farmland, provides domestic drinking water, supports recreation, and powers hydroelectric energy. When fully complete, Blue Rush will have treated 450 acres of fuels while creating conditions for an additional 900 acres to be managed with prescribed fire. The benefits extend far beyond wildfire protection: improved wildlife habitat, stronger carbon sequestration potential, and enhanced watershed resilience. This project is part of a broader, coordinated effort—working in alignment with CAL FIRE fuel breaks, the Sierra National Forest’s Blue Rush Project, the Dinkey Landscape Restoration Project, and Sierra Resilient Landscapes. Together, these initiatives are building a healthier, more fire-resilient Sierra Nevada for future generations.

The Madera Strategic Wildfire Mitigation Project (MSWMP) demonstrates how collaboration and strategic investment can make communities safer and more resilient to wildfire. Launched in 2019 with support from California Climate Investments, the project brought together landowners, CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, Madera County, and local stakeholders to identify and implement priority fuel reduction projects in Eastern Madera County. Over the course of the project (2019–2022), five to seven fuel break and defensible landscape projects were planned to protect more than 15,000 homes, along with businesses, infrastructure, and critical community resources. Treatments were tailored to the landscape, from tree felling and mastication to chipping and pile burning—all designed to reduce hazardous fuels and enhance public safety. By 2021, three key projects had been implemented: •Sugar Pine Private Lands Fuel Reduction Project: 50 acres treated with tree removal and mastication, completed in September 2020. •Cedar Valley Private Lands Fuel Reduction Project: 45 acres of hazard tree removal and fuel reduction, launched in April 2021. •Sugar Pine & Cedar Valley Public Lands Stewardship Project: 340 acres of fuel breaks and defensible zones created on public lands through a Shared Stewardship agreement with the Sierra National Forest. Together, these efforts reduce wildfire risk across both private and public lands, creating landscape-scale resilience that benefits entire communities. Beyond fire safety, the project supports cleaner air, healthier forests, and stronger watershed protection—all while aligning with statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in disadvantaged communities through California Climate Investments. The Madera Strategic Wildfire Mitigation Project is a powerful example of what’s possible when agencies, landowners, and communities work together to create safer, healthier, and more climate-resilient landscapes in the Sierra Nevada.

The RFFCP Early Action Project is laying the groundwork for healthier forests and safer communities across the Sierra Nevada by investing in capacity building and collaborative planning. With support from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and in partnership with Sierra Nevada Alliance, this effort began in July 2022 with the goal of accelerating forest restoration and wildfire resilience. The project focuses on four key objectives: •Engaging partners in collaborative planning to achieve multiple community and forest health benefits. •Expanding partnerships in the Sequoia region of Kern County. •Establishing a pipeline of projects to increase the pace and scale of restoration. •Advancing a priority project in Tulare County to shovel-ready status. Significant progress has been made through joint planning efforts and development of Forest Health Prioritization plans. These efforts not only guide future restoration work but also strengthen regional capacity to secure funding for implementation. The Sugarloaf Project, a key outcome of this initiative, is expected to reach shovel-ready status in late 2024 following some delays, with a CAL FIRE prevention grant already submitted to support implementation. By aligning regional partners and creating a pipeline of well-prepared projects, the RFFCP Early Action Project is ensuring that forest restoration work can move forward faster, more strategically, and at a greater scale. This proactive approach sets the stage for healthier forests, resilient watersheds, and stronger communities across the Sierra Nevada.

In 2019, Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council (YSRCDC) was awarded $4.1 million through CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program to launch the Madera SSARRP, a large-scale effort to restore forests and watersheds in the southern Sierra Nevada. With partners including the Sierra National Forest, North Fork Rancheria, University of Washington, and American Forests, this project takes an “all lands” approach—crossing boundaries and leveraging expertise to address the region’s most pressing forest health challenges. The SSARRP is designed to: •Reforest wildfire-damaged landscapes and areas with severe tree mortality to restore biodiversity, improve habitat connectivity, and rebuild forest carbon stocks. •Implement strategic fuel treatments that reduce hazards to communities, create conditions for prescribed fire, and support reforestation. •Advance science-driven planning through LiDAR mapping, research, and technical assistance to guide climate-informed forest restoration for the coming decade. Progress to Date •The U.S. Forest Service has completed extensive replanting efforts in the French Fire footprint, with piling work nearly finished as of early 2025. •The University of Washington has partnered on LiDAR analysis, hosting workshops in 2024 to help local forest managers, landowners, and community members understand and apply cutting-edge data for restoration planning. •YSRCDC and partners continue to advance compliance and planning for upcoming projects, including Mission Fire restoration efforts, with strong engagement from both agencies and the public. •An extension through March 2025 ensures that reforestation, fuel reduction, and planning efforts can be fully implemented. Impact The Madera SSARRP is a powerful example of collaboration at scale. By blending hands-on restoration with innovative science and cross-boundary partnerships, the project is strengthening community safety, restoring fire-damaged forests, supporting long-term carbon sequestration, and ensuring that the watersheds of the southern Sierra remain resilient for generations to come.

In partnership with Madera County and Coarsegold Resource Conservation District (RCD), Yosemite/Sequoia RC&DC is helping strengthen wildfire preparedness and prevention across the region. This collaborative project focuses on coordinating local fire prevention efforts while providing vital community education on topics such as Firewise USA®, defensible space, and home hardening techniques. Through outreach at community events and public meetings, residents gain practical tools and resources to better protect their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. Y/S RC&DC supports Coarsegold RCD—the lead grantee—by providing technical assistance, coordination, and outreach services that expand the reach and impact of fire prevention efforts throughout Madera County. Recent Progress A major milestone was achieved in October 2024 with the launch of BeFirewise.org, a dedicated resource hub that offers residents clear, accessible information on fire prevention practices and preparedness strategies. This platform strengthens local capacity to share consistent, science-based fire safety information with the community. Impact By combining local partnerships, public education, and accessible resources, this project is building a stronger culture of wildfire readiness in Madera County. It empowers residents to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks while fostering collaboration among agencies and community organizations working toward a safer, more resilient region.

Launched in 2020, this project is strengthening wildfire resilience in Madera County by expanding the Firewise USA® program. In partnership with Madera County and Coarsegold RCD, Yosemite/Sequoia RC&DC has supported the growth of new Firewise communities, provided oversight and project management, and helped establish a dedicated Firewise Coordinator position to ensure long-term program success. Progress to Date •The county agreement was renewed in 2021, ensuring three more years of program support through July 2024. •Coarsegold RCD has continued to serve as a key local partner, leading community outreach, project development, and technical support for Firewise Coordination. •In June 2024, the U.S. Forest Service awarded $534,343 to Madera County for the Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Education/Outreach Implementation Project. This funding secures the Firewise Coordinator role and strengthens collaboration among Madera County, Coarsegold RCD, and Y/S RC&DC. Impact By growing Firewise communities and supporting dedicated coordination, this project is empowering residents across Madera County to take proactive steps in wildfire preparedness. From defensible space planning to neighborhood-level action, the Firewise program is building safer, more resilient communities while fostering strong partnerships between local government, conservation districts, and residents.