CAL FIRE invests $5 M to expand biomass use and train forestry workers

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has awarded $5 million in grant funding to eight projects aimed at creating jobs, training future forestry workers, and helping small businesses expand their role in protecting forests and communities from wildfire.

The funding comes through CAL FIRE’s Business and Workforce Development Grant program, which supports innovative approaches to reducing wildfire risk and promoting rural economic growth. Since its launch in 2022, the program has awarded over $100 million to more than 100 projects statewide.

“From hands-on training for young adults to new mass timber production right here in California, these projects are helping build a more resilient future for our forests and our communities,” said Assistant Chief John McCarthy of CA