This webinar is an opportunity for participants to increase their understanding of CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Program (VMP) process through a case study of the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center’s VMP.

John Bailey, Director of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC), will discuss what HREC does, why prescribed fire is an important tool, and the process of developing and enacting a VMP with CAL FIRE. Julie Rhoads, Vegetation Management Program Forester, Mendocino Unit, CAL FIRE, will explain the environmental review and operational planning processes required when CAL FIRE conducts broadcast burns and other fuel reduction projects and how these treatments contribute to CAL FIRE’s statewide fuels reduction goals. Tori Norville, UC Cooperative Extension Fire Science Advisor for Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties, will compare the different options to collaborate, plan, and implement prescribed burns on the landscape. Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Fire Network Director for the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, will describe recent policy changes related to prescribed fire in California, including the state-certified burn boss program, liability law, and the prescribed fire claims fund. Doug Turk, Program Manager, Mendocino County Resource Conservation District, will give an overview of the differences and similarities between vegetation management grants and cost share programs, as well as provide some examples of common programs available to landowners in Mendocino County.

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