Forests are critical ecosystems that provide countless benefits for our health, recreation, and biodiversity. Placer County is made up of approximately 500,000 acres of forestland and supports a range of forest types that parallel incremental changes in elevation and climate. Massive valley oaks cover the rangelands on the west side of the county, while the higher elevations are characterized by conifer forests including sugar pines, Douglas firs, incense cedars, and others. Placer RCD recognizes that healthy forests can support resilience against climate change, drought, and wildfire. But forest health is a regional commitment. In collaboration with the county, federal and state agencies, and local nonprofits, the District is leading several projects dedicated to improving and maintaining forest health. Find out more about the projects taking place throughout the county below.
To speak with Placer RCD staff about habitat related topics or to schedule technical assistance, contact:
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Allison Erny
Forestry Project Manager, Registered Professional Forester No. 3081
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Cordi Craig
Prescribed Fire Program Manager
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Lewis Campbell
Forestry Project Coordinator
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Jerry Reioux
Forestry Conservation Planner(m) (530) 574-8877
Placer RCD Forest Health News
- We’re Hiring a Forestry Project Manager
- Placer County Resource Conservation District Request for Proposals for the North Fork American River Shaded Fuel Break, Phase II
- Logo Contest – Placer Prescribed Burn Association
- What are Working Lands?
Placer RCD Forest Health Projects
- Regional Conservation Partnership Program Provides financial assistance
- Rx Fire Field Guide
- Mosquito Fire Recovery and Reforestation
- Firewise Trailer Education Program
- Landowner Technical Assistance Provides financial assistance
- Placer County Chipper Program Provides financial assistance
- Forestry & Natural Resources Career Mentorship Program
- Placer Prescribed Burn Association (Placer PBA) Provides financial assistance
- Placer County Emergency Fuels Reduction Project
- Prescribed Burning on Private Lands Provides financial assistance
- Auburn Shaded Fuel Break past project
Forest Health Media
- 23-24 Career Mentorship Program Overview
- Placer Prescribed Burn Association Logo Contest
- Rx Fire Field Guide
- 2021-2022 Forestry and Natural Resources Career Mentorship Program
- Landowner Technical Assistance Agreement (LTAA) Flier
- 2022-07 Forestry Mentorship Program Press Release
- Forestland Steward Issue 71: Back to Basics
- RCPP Crisis to Opportunity: Tree mortality in Placer County
- 2022 Prescribed Fire on Working Landscapes Workshop
- Forestland Steward Issue 65: Lightening the Fuel Load
More Forest Health Information
- Assistance for Forest Health
- Forestland Steward
- Forestland Steward Archives
- Forestland Steward Newsletter Subscribe
- Media Kit
- Placer County Chipper Program Service Information
Financial Resources
- Placer RCD provides free technical assistance to residents of Placer County who may have questions about defensible space, tree mortality, or drought stress. Landowners may be eligible to apply for certain cost-share programs to subsidize conservation practices that improve forest health. All cost-share programs are voluntary.
- Chipper Program: The Placer RCD Chipper Program has successfully assisted hundreds of Placer County residents reduce fuels loads and improve their defensible space. Learn more about the program here (insert Chipper Program link).
- Firewise Trailer: Forest health and fire resiliency are closely connected. The Placer RCD FireWise Trailer is a loan program that provides tools and equipment for community members who are interested in brush clearing and reducing fuel loads to improve fire safety.
- Cost-Share programs through NRCS: The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency that offers financial assistance to eligible landowners interested in implementing conservation practices to foster healthy stewardship. Both the RCPP and the EQIP programs are provided through NRCS.
- RCPP: The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a program that provides cost-share assistance for landowners who are experiencing tree mortality due to bark beetle.
- EQIP: The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial resources to non-industrial forest landowners to implement improvements or conservation practices on their land.