CAL FIRE's mission is to protect the people and property of California from the effects of devastating wildfires, promote ecosystem resilience, and enhance forest health through sustainable management practices that address threats like climate change, forest overcrowding, and pest infestations. This mission extends to safeguarding watersheds, promoting carbon storage, and supporting land management strategies that mitigate the impact of extreme disturbance events on forests.
The California Forest Improvement Program aims to support the improvement of forest resources, including fish and wildlife habitats, soil, and water quality. It provides cost-share assistance for both private and public forest landowners owning between 20 to 5,000 acres. The program enables activities such as the creation of Forest Management Plans by Registered Professional Foresters, reforestation, stand improvement practices like thinning and pruning, and conservation efforts to enhance fish and wildlife habitats. CFIP allocates about $1 to $2 million every other month to support these activities.