Recap of The Central Coast Regional Meeting
CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL MEETING RECAP
May 11, 2023
Over 300 people came together in Santa Cruz (with over 200 joining online) for the regional meeting of the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force focused on the Central Coast region and ongoing efforts to create more resilient communities and landscapes in the face of wildfires and climate change. The meeting brought together a wide range of experts and agency partners for updates and in-depth panel discussions on the State’s progress on wildfire and forest resilience. Hosted by the California State Coastal Conservancy and San Mateo Resource Conservation District, discussions focused on the unique landscapes and land management issues of California’s Central Coast, with updates and panel discussions about real progress being made on the ground, and opportunities to network with partners from around the state.
If you couldn’t make it in person, or missed the real-time webinar, video recordings are available below.
REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
- Director’s Report: Director Wright provided an update on the status of the 99 key actions outlined in the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, outlined the Task Force’s mulita-pronged “Roadmap to Resilience,” and highlighted Task Force partners’ achievements on the Central Coast.
- The Central Coast Mosaic: A panel of experts discussed the Central Coast’s unique ecosystems, safeguarding communities in the WUI, and indigenous land use practices of tribal communities in the region. The Task Force Interagency Science Team then introduced the new data tools for practitioners available in the Task Force’s Regional Resource Kits.
- From Local Collaboration to Regional Action: Two panels of regional leaders discussed 1) the value of collaborative efforts for delivering on Central Coast resource priorities and, 2) how project implementors are navigating complex regulatory requirements.
- Moving Towards A Regional Investment Strategy: A panel of Task Force partners discussed the challenges and opportunities for state-wide funding programs to align programmatically to support locally identified regional priorities.
- Keynote address by Senator John Laird: Senator Laird (CA-17) is a champion of natural resources and authored SB 456 which codified the CA Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. Among his accomplishments, Laird served as Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency under Governor Jerry Brown (2011-2019) and two-term mayor of Santa Cruz. In his keynote, Senator Laird reflected on the Central Coast as “ground-zero” in recent times for the effects of climate change.
Welcome
• Amy Hutzel, CA Coastal Conservancy
Opening Remarks
• Wade Crowfoot, CNRA
• Jennifer Eberlien, USFS
• Valentin Lopez, Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
• Task Force Executive Committee
Director’s Report
Director’s Report
• Patrick Wright
The Central Coast Mosaic
The Central Coast Mosaic
• Moderator: Steven Ostoja, USDA California Climate Hub
• Virginio Matzek, Santa Clara University
• Chris Dicus, Cal Poly SLO
• Peter Nelson, UC Berkeley
• Peter Stine, Climate & Wildfire Institute
From Local Collaboration to Regional Action
From Local Collaboration to Regional Action
• Moderator: Kellyx Nelson, San Mateo RCD
• Anne Crealock, Marin Wildfire Prev. Authority
• Dylan Skybrook, Santa Cruz Stewardship Network
• Devii Rao, UC ANR
• Steve Auten, Auten Resource Consulting
• Madeline Cavalieri, CA Coastal Commission
• Len Nielson, CAL FIRE
• Paul Hann, State Water Board
Moving Towards a Regional Investment Strategy
Moving Towards a Regional Investment Strategy
• Moderator: Lisa Lurie, Santa Cruz RCD
• Valentin Lopez, Amah Mutsun Land Trust
• Brian Newman-Lindsay, DOC
• Robin Bellows, CAL FIRE
• Chris Zimny, NRCS
• Sherry Hazelhurst, USFS
Keynote Presentation
• Senator John Laird, CA 19th District
Closing Remarks
• Task Force Co-Chairs
Recap of The Southern California Regional Meeting
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL MEETING RECAP
February 2, 2023
Nearly 350 people gathered at the King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on February 2 for updates and in-depth panel discussions focused on the unique challenges in balancing the protection of the region’s forests and shrublands with community protection from the increased threat of wildfires. Sponsored and hosted by Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and Mountains and Recreation Conservation Authority, the meeting brought together a wide range of experts and Task Force agency partners.
If you couldn’t make it in person, or missed the real-time webinar, video recordings are available below.
REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
- Balancing Priorities in A Complex Landscape: A panel of experts discussed Southern California’s unique landscapes, ecosystems and fire dynamics. The Task Force Interagency Science Team then introduced the Southern California Regional Resource Kit to support efficient and effective planning and prioritization.
- Key Issues & Priorities: A panel of regional leaders highlighted the prime issues they deal with in managing fire and landscape resilience in Southern California. Topics included minimizing ignition reduction, fuelbreaks and forest conservation, workforce development, and structure and infrastructure resilience.
- Regional Investment Strategy & Next Steps: A highlight of the February 2 meeting was the announcement of a multi-agency, $70 million investment in Southern California to support regional landscape and community protection programs. Regional partners responded to this funding commitment with a pledge to formalize their strategic coordination with the outcome being a process to develop and implement a Southern California-wide pipeline of shovel ready projects.
Tribal Blessing & Opening Remarks
• Rudy Ortega, Santa Monica Mts. Conservancy
• Alan Salazar, Tribal Elder
Opening Remarks
• Wade Crowfoot, CNRA
• Jennifer Eberlien, USFS
• Task Force Executive Committee
Director’s Report
Director’s Report
• Patrick Wright
Balancing Priorities In A Complex Landscape
Balancing Priorities In A Complex Landscape
• Moderator: Steven Ostoja, USDA California Climate Hub
• Nicole Molinari, USFS
• Daniel Berlant, CAL FIRE
• Jon Keeley, USGS
• John Battles, UC Berkeley
A panel of experts discussed Southern California’s unique landscapes, ecosystems and fire dynamics. The Task Force Interagency Science Team introduced new tools for practitioners.
Key Issues & Priorities
Key Issues & Priorities
• Moderator: Michael O’Connell, Irvine Ranch Conservancy
• Scott Tangenberg, USFS
• Susie Kirschner, Inland Empire RCD
• Stan Hill, RCD of Greater San Diego
• Rorie Skei, Santa Monica Mts. Conservancy
- Ignition Reduction
- Structure and Infrastructure Resilience
- Strategic Fuelbreaks and Forest Conservation
- Workforce Development
A panel of Southern California regional leaders highlighted key issues and discussed how they are aligning priorities and meeting shared goals.
Regional Investment Strategy & Next Steps
Regional Investment Strategy & Next Steps
• Moderator: Forest Schafer, Task Force
• Sherry Hazelhurst, USFS
• Matthew Reischman, CAL FIRE
• Keali’i Bright, Dept. of Conservation
• Ann Baldridge, RCD of Greater San Diego
Task Force partners will introduce the Regional Investment Strategy and provide funding updates.
Final Remarks
• Task Force Co-Chairs
This Indigenous Practice Fights Fire With Fire

This Indigenous Practice Fights Fire With Fire
For decades, the U.S. government evangelized fire suppression, most famously through Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention campaign. But as climate change continues to exacerbate wildfire seasons and a growing body of scientific research supports using fire to fight fire, Indigenous groups in the Klamath Basin are reviving cultural burning practices that effectively controlled forest fires for centuries. National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan introduces us to people bringing back this cultural practice and teaching the next generation how to use fire.