California Proposal AB763, aimed at reducing wildfire risk by simplifying the logging process, was introduced in the state legislature.
Democratic Assembly Member Chris Ward stated in a declaration that California’s current timber harvesting permitting system is fragmented and cumbersome, causing unnecessary delays that hinder responsible forest management and wildfire prevention efforts. Representing the 78th district, which covers most of the coastal areas in San Diego.
If passed, the bill would streamline the logging permit acquisition process for landowners through a single review system, as opposed to the current process involving multiple agencies and departments such as CAL Fire, Fish and Wildlife, and regional water authorities, each with their own rules and timelines.
California’s logging permits are overseen by the California Timber Regulations and Environmental Evaluation System, which includes registered professional foresters, certified timber operators, and landowners who manage the logging documents.
Ward is not the only California elected official trying to reduce fire risks. At a San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 25, Republican Supervisor Jim Desmond from the 5th district planned to propose measures to clear homeless camps during red flag warnings to prevent wildfires.
Desmond stated that several fires in San Diego County this year, including the Friars Fire, Center Fire, and Gilman Fire, originated from homeless camps. He believes his proposal will help reduce fire risks under the most dangerous conditions.
San Diego Police Department’s Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) Lieutenant William Brown told Dajiyuan last month that the Center Fire in Rancho Bernardo was caused by a homeless person’s propane tank explosion while cooking outdoors, igniting a fire in dry conditions.
At the state level, efforts are being made to prevent wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom stated in January that California will conduct more controlled burns to enhance fire prevention. California has allocated $25 billion to implement the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Restoration Action Plan, accelerating forest clearing operations and restoring forest health. The state also earmarked $2 billion annually for wildfire prevention programs until the 2028-2029 fiscal year.
However, Joshua Fisher, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at Chapman University, pointed out that the state government only owns 3% of California’s forest land, with its impact on forestry management relatively minor compared to the federal government, which owns 58%. Most of the rest belongs to private industry. Yet, the state government can still take measures to reduce fire risks, such as planned burns, vegetation reduction, establishing wildfire buffer zones, and enhancing wildfire monitoring.
Fisher emphasized the value of sustainable forestry management in protecting forests. He stated, “If logging is no longer economically viable, the land is often sold to developers who then deplete the remaining resources.” He added, “So, from a forest preservation perspective, sustainable logging management is actually beneficial for tree maintenance!”