CLERC & USFS: WORKING TOGETHER TO ENHANCE FIRE RESILIENCE

In 2018, the Mendocino Complex fires wreaked havoc on the Mendocino National Forest and prompted the evacuations of Lakeport, Kelseyville, and all the Northshore communities. The Ranch and River fires consumed over 450,000 acres in Mendocino, Lake, Colusa and Glenn Counties, leaving communities reeling from the loss. Among those affected was CLERC Co-Founder and Executive Director, Will Evans, who, like many, had never considered himself a "tree hugger" until he witnessed the profound impact of losing an entire forest.

CLERC and USFS staff examine project plans within the North Shore Restoration Project.

USFS staff scope out a site of future fuel reduction work.

Out of the destruction emerged a collaboration between CLERC and the US Forest Service (USFS). Recognizing that swift action was necessary, CLERC partnered with the USFS to provide both capacity and funding to help kickstart the restoration of the Mendocino National Forest. Together, they devised a comprehensive plan, known as the North Shore Restoration Project, aimed at rehabilitating over 40,000 acres of land. Such an ambitious undertaking required substantial resources beyond what the USFS could offer.

Undeterred, CLERC embarked on a mission to secure grant funding. In 2019 CLERC successfully secured a grant to facilitate a project to abate trees along 500 acres of roadways, mitigating potential hazards and laying the groundwork for further restoration work. 

Drone photo of a portion of the roadside hazard tree abatement project. Removing the roadside hazards was the first step in a long process of restoring the forest.

Building on this success, CLERC continued to pursue grants, culminating in a significant achievement in 2021. This latest grant funded a research project to assess the best strategies for restoring the forest in light of evolving challenges such as climate change. The resulting paper, titled "Informing Reforestation Strategy for the Mendocino National Forest," provided invaluable insights and guidelines for the project area. Also included in this grant were fuel reduction treatments on 700 acres of unburnt land within the Clear Lake watershed. 

In May 2023, CLERC secured another grant, this time specifically earmarked for reforestation efforts encompassing over 1,065 acres of land. This multiphase project included site preparation, fuel removal, dead tree removal, and the planting of over 232,000 seedlings, all aimed at restoring the forest to its former glory. Further phases will continue between 2024-2029.

So what is the meaning behind the collaboration between CLERC and USFS? The answer lies in recognizing the agency's limitations in capacity and resources. By stepping in to provide support, CLERC enabled the USFS to expand its reach and accelerate the pace of restoration work across thousands of acres of forested land.

A project map from 2023.

Now, armed with the necessary funding and expertise, the partners are poised to begin the implementation phase of the restoration project. It's a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together in the face of adversity, united by a common goal of preserving and protecting our natural heritage.

As we look to the future, may the story of Mendocino National Forest serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and collective action in the fight to save our forests for generations to come. Working together, we can make a difference.