California’s growing wildfire crisis has impacted nearly every corner of the state in recent years, and this month we’ve witnessed a series of deadly, destructive, and unprecedented January wildfires in southern California. Governor Gavin Newsom created the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force in 2021 to introduce a more holistic, integrated approach toward effective forest management. The Task Force is a collaborative effort that unites federal, state, local, and tribal organizations to better manage forests, protect communities, and adapt to California’s fire-prone reality.
On this episode of Terra Verde, host Fiona McLeod speaks with Patrick Wright, Director of the Task Force, to discuss their progress, challenges, and how we can all play a part in building a safer, more fire-resilient future in California.