CAL FIRE Forest Health Program

The Forest Health Program, administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the California Climate Investments initiative, provides substantial funding to address the growing threats to California’s forestlands. These threats include catastrophic wildfires, prolonged drought, pest outbreaks, and the historical impact of past land management practices. For the FY 2025-2026 cycle, up to $55 million has been allocated from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), with an additional parallel funding opportunity under Proposition 4. This program prioritizes large-scale, multi-partner projects that improve forest health, enhance carbon sequestration, protect watersheds, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a suite of ecological land management practices. The program funds a wide array of activities aimed at restoring landscape-scale forest and watershed resilience. Eligible treatments include forest fuels reduction, prescribed and cultural fire, pest management, reforestation, biomass utilization, and ecological restoration across riparian areas, meadows, and upper watersheds. Projects that integrate multiple activities, are led by experienced collaborative teams, and include planning or capacity-building components (up to 10% of the total request) are given preference. Specific attention is given to projects that demonstrate climate benefits by reducing wildfire intensity, enhancing carbon storage, or improving ecosystem health. All funded projects must support the goals of various state strategies, including the California Forest Carbon Plan and Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Eligibility for this program is broad. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal public agencies; federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribes; public universities; special districts; nonprofit organizations; and private forest landowners (industrial and non-industrial). CAL FIRE may require federally recognized tribes to agree to limited waivers of sovereign immunity depending on the risk profile and scope of the project. Projects must treat at least 800 acres and request between $1 million and $8 million in grant funding. While no match is required, projects with matching resources may receive a more favorable review. The application process is conducted in two phases. Interested applicants must first submit a Concept Proposal by 3:00 PM PDT on March 30, 2026. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a Full Proposal by 3:00 PM PDT on June 8, 2026. Applications must be submitted through CAL FIRE’s online Grants Portal. Concept Proposals require basic applicant information, a summary of the project, planned activities, anticipated benefits, project readiness, partnerships, and a preliminary budget. Full Proposals must include detailed project narratives, budget breakdowns, a scope of work, environmental compliance status, greenhouse gas intake documentation, and various supporting forms such as maps, letters of commitment, and organizational qualifications. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale across multiple categories, including project clarity and benefits (40 points), organizational capacity and readiness (30 points), alignment with program goals (20 points), and cost-effectiveness (10 points). CAL FIRE places particular emphasis on projects that benefit disadvantaged or low-income communities and those that align with regional forest and fire resilience strategies. High-quality job creation, robust collaboration, and environmental justice outcomes are also key scoring factors. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of 2026. Funded projects must be completed by January 31, 2031. All grantees must comply with environmental regulations such as CEQA or NEPA, report quarterly using CAL FIRE templates, and submit final reports with GIS data and outcome summaries. Projects selected for pre- and post-implementation monitoring must also secure landowner access agreements. While most funds are reimbursed, advances (up to 25%) may be permitted. CAL FIRE reserves the right to reallocate funds if performance or compliance requirements are not met.

Priority given to projects demonstrating CEQA readiness, multi-partner collaboration, and quantifiable climate benefits.