Sonoma County Regional Parks is a leader in fire preparedness in our county. The Natural Resources Division is building a team of wildfire experts who manage prescribed burns (good fire), to promote forest health and reduce fire fuels, while also training the crews of tomorrow. Parks Foundation donors have been instrumental in investing in this critical program.
Prescribed fire is an important tool to help protect our communities and revitalize our ecosystems by reducing excessive fuels. This “good fire” reduces the intensity of future wildfires and supports ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, germination and reduction of pathogens. Good fire protects mature trees so that they can continue to grow and sequester carbon.
Last year Regional Parks' efforts increased the pace and scale of prescribed fire by partnering with multiple organizations, such as CalFire, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, State Parks, and Sonoma Land Trust. Together they applied good fire to over 300 acres of parkland, from the grasslands of Tolay Ranch to the dense forests of Monte Rio Redwoods. Regional Parks also has been integral in supporting the Santa Rosa Junior College Wildfire Resilience Program, a workforce development program that gives students hands-on skills and experience.
In addition to prescribed fire, Regional Parks uses mowing, limbing trees, grazing and other vegetation management to reduce fire fuels in its parks.
Prescribed fire is an important tool to help protect our communities and revitalize our ecosystems by reducing excessive fuels. This “good fire” reduces the intensity of future wildfires and supports ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, germination and reduction of pathogens. Good fire protects mature trees so that they can continue to grow and sequester carbon.
Last year Regional Parks' efforts increased the pace and scale of prescribed fire by partnering with multiple organizations, such as CalFire, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, State Parks, and Sonoma Land Trust. Together they applied good fire to over 300 acres of parkland, from the grasslands of Tolay Ranch to the dense forests of Monte Rio Redwoods. Regional Parks also has been integral in supporting the Santa Rosa Junior College Wildfire Resilience Program, a workforce development program that gives students hands-on skills and experience.
In addition to prescribed fire, Regional Parks uses mowing, limbing trees, grazing and other vegetation management to reduce fire fuels in its parks.
Equipment Wish List for Fire Preparedness: Spring 2025
Please contact Melissa Kelley at [email protected] or 707-565-1830 if you are able to help support this effort!
Burn Boss Radios: 2 at $3,500
Stihl electric Kombi unit (multi-tool) with hedger and charger: $1,600
Stihl electric telescoping pole saw and battery: $1,500
Fire hose: $500-$1000 for hose and additional fittings
Chainsaw Stihl MS 261: 1 at $700
Emergency fire shelters: 4 at $650
Kestrel weather station: 1 at $370
Stihl electric Kombi unit (multi-tool) with hedger and charger: $1,600
Stihl electric telescoping pole saw and battery: $1,500
Fire hose: $500-$1000 for hose and additional fittings
Chainsaw Stihl MS 261: 1 at $700
Emergency fire shelters: 4 at $650
Kestrel weather station: 1 at $370
