This project assists local communities in planning for and mitigating their wildfire risk by implementing targeted fuels reduction and forest health treatments

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R5-Pacific Southwest Region awarded $3,267,606 to Sierra Institute for Community and Environment on August 26, 2026, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Community Wildfire Defense Grants program (CFDA 10.720) to implement fuels reduction and forest health treatments that enhance defensible space around private land parcels in Indian Valley, California, specifically along Arlington and Genesee Roads near Taylorsville and Genesee. The project will thin overcrowded forest, decrease ladder fuels, and improve forest health while accommodating landowner objectives to reduce wildfire risk in the region. Performance extends through May 31, 2031. Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, a Taylorsville-based nonprofit focused on environmental conservation and natural resource stewardship, will execute the work across the project area in California.

This project focuses on enhancing defensible space around private land parcels in indian valley, specifically along arlington and genesee roads, near the communities of taylorsville and genesee. The goal is to reduce wildfire risk by thinning overcrowded forest, decreasing ladder fuels, and improving forest health, all while accommodating landowner objectives.