This project helps the bureau of land management (BLM) lower the risk of big wildfires and give people more chances to enjoy the outdoors

The Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management California Region awarded a $10.588 million Cooperative Agreement to the Hoopa Valley Tribe on February 23, 2026, under the Forest and Woodlands Resource Management program (CFDA 15.233) to reduce wildfire risk and enhance outdoor recreation on BLM lands in California through forest management and fuel reduction activities.

Over a 20-year period ending February 22, 2046, the Hoopa Valley Tribe will plan and manage annual timber sales, harvesting approximately 23 million board feet of timber per year and grouping sale areas to harvest 45 million board feet every two to three years, with a minimum harvest target of 15 million board feet over the agreement term. The recipient will conduct prescribed burns using trained crews and equipment to reduce fuel loads following thinning operations, including understory and pile burning conducted in close coordination with BLM burn planning and safety protocols. The work also encompasses building and maintaining roads and forest areas to support accessibility and safety. Deliverables include reduced wildfire risk through lowered fuel loads, improved wildlife habitat and recreation areas suitable for hunting, hiking, and camping, and maintained infrastructure supporting forest health and public access.

Place of performance is California. The agreement serves the public through safer forests and stronger local economies generated by timber sales, while reducing fire risk to nearby communities and enhancing wildlife habitat health.

Activities

The team will: plan and manage timber sales every year. Sell about 23 million board feet (mmbf) of timber each year over 20 years. Group timber sale areas to harvest 45 mmbf every two to three years.use prescribed burns to reduce fuel after thinning trees. Conduct different types of burning, like understory and pile burning, with trained crews and equipment. Work closely with BLM to prepare burn plans and keep burns safe.expected deliverables:the project will: harvest at least 15 mmbf of timber over 20 years. Reduce wildfire risk by lowering fuel loads.improve wildlife habitat and recreation areas. Keep roads and forest areas safe and accessible.

Intended beneficiaries

The public will benefit from safer forests, better hunting and camping areas, and stronger local economies from timber sales. Communities near forests will have less fire risk, and wildlife will have healthier habitats.