The Task Force quarterly meeting at the California Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento featured leading scientists discussing their findings on what is working and what we need to improve on to address California’s wildfire crisis.

The lively and candid conversations challenged California’s climate leaders to take a hard look at existing priorities and ensure the latest science is being used to inform the state’s policies to reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfire and restore healthy natural landscapes in the face of climate change. Findings shared at the meeting were part of a Science Synthesis that will help inform the Task Force’s 2025 Action Plan.

Highlights Include:

Forest & Rangeland Assessment: Jamie Lydersen from CAL FIRE provided a preview on the upcoming release of an updated FRAP report that informs leaders and land managers at a statewide level using data-based indicators to show current state and recent trends on California forests and rangelands.

Synthesis of Science
Through a series of panel discussions, members of the Task Force’s Science Advisory Panel provided highlights from a synthesis of scientific findings since 2021 on issues related to wildfire and landscape resilience that will help inform the Task Force’s 2025 Action Plan. Topics covered included:

• How did we get here and why does it matter?
• What have we learned about what works and where we go from here?
  • Part 1: Landscape Resilience & Community Protection
  • Part 2: Post-Fire Considerations