Major funding advances collaborative forest health efforts, wildfire resilience across national, state, and local parks in Marin, a model for other regions
SAN FRANCISCO—(March 21, 2025)—As California faces increasingly severe wildfires, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and its One Tam partners are leading the charge in wildfire resilience and forest health. With $10.9 million in new funding—a $6.9 million CAL FIRE Forest Health Grant and a $4 million State Coastal Conservancy Grant—the Parks Conservancy and One Tam will expand critical forest health and wildfire prevention efforts across Marin County’s national, state, and local parks.
"These grants don’t just fund projects—they advance a vision for forest health and wildfire resilience rooted in science, collaboration, and community engagement," said Claire Mooney, Vice President of Park Projects and Conservation at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. "By aligning our work on the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy with the state’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan and local wildfire prevention efforts, we’re not only reducing wildfire risk—we're building a future where our forests, and the communities that depend on them, can thrive."
This funding comes at a critical moment, just ahead of the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force meeting in Marin County March 27-28, and builds on a $4.26 million grant to the Parks Conservancy on behalf of One Tam from the Wildlife Conservation Board in February 2024. Together, these grants represent significant commitment to forest health and wildfire resilience in the region.
"One Tam is setting the standard for how to tackle our wildfire crisis: through large landscape collaborative projects that provide multiple benefits, from forest health, watershed protection and biodiversity to wildfire prevention and community resilience," said Patrick Wright, Director of the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. "We look forward to hearing their story at next week’s meeting of the Task Force."
With this funding, the Parks Conservancy and its One Tam partners—including the National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin County Parks, and Marin Water—are proving cross-agency collaboration can drive real impact.
By uniting public land managers, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and local fire prevention agencies, this work is setting a new standard for wildfire prevention and forest health, creating a model other regions can follow. As these ecosystems face increasing threats, the investments show how long-term planning, strategic partnerships, and community engagement can transform how we protect both landscapes and lives.
This funding will support critical work, including:
"One Tam’s leadership in forest health and ecological stewardship is invaluable to Marin’s wildfire resilience," said Mark Brown, Executive Officer of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority. "Our collaboration demonstrates the power of coordinated, science-based action to safeguard both our communities and natural ecosystems. This work ensures Marin remains at the forefront of proactive, sustainable wildfire mitigation."
For press inquiries, contact media(at)parksconservancy.org. For more information on One Tam’s forest health and wildfire resilience efforts in Marin County, visit onetam.org/forest-health
Photo: Chris Nguyen / Marin County Parks
About One Tam:
One Tam is a partnership of the National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin Water, Marin County Parks, and the nonprofit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to ensure the long-term health of Mt. Tamalpais. Our partnership leverages the skills and resources of each partner, in collaboration with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and inspires community members to support the long-term stewardship of the mountain. Find out more at onetam.org
About the CAL FIRE Forest Health Program:
Funding for One Tam Regional Forest Health Project – Phase II was provided by CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program, as part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
About the State Coastal Conservancy:
Funding for the One Tam Wildfire and Forest Resilience Project – Phase 1 was provided by the California State Coastal Conservancy’s Wildfire Resilience Program. The Coastal Conservancy is a California state agency, established in 1976, to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, to help people get to and enjoy the outdoors, and to sustain local economies along California’s coast. It acts with others to protect and restore, and increase public access to, California’s coast, ocean, coastal watersheds, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its vision is of a beautiful, restored, and accessible coast for current and future generations of Californians. For more information, visit scc.ca.gov/wildfire-resilience-program
About the Wildlife Conservation Board:
Funding for the One Tam Forest Conservation Project was provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board’s Forest Conservation Program. The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) is a state grant-making agency dedicated to safeguarding California’s spectacular biological diversity and wild spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. WCB works in partnership with tribes, conservation organizations, and government agencies to acquire lands and design and implement habitat restoration and public access projects statewide. WCB was created by legislation in 1947. Today it administers nearly 20 programs that support projects in every corner of the state and in each one of California’s terrestrial ecosystems. WCB is a key partner in advancing California’s commitment to conserve 30 percent of its lands and coastal waters by 2030 (30x30).
About the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria:
Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe comprised of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians. Legislation restoring federal recognition to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria was signed into law in December 2000. Tribal lands are located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County and the Tribe’s ancestral lands are Sonoma and Marin Counties. For more information, visit www.gratonrancheria.com
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