Funding for Healthier, More Resilient Forests
The North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP) helps landowners in Lake, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Napa Counties fund forest-health projects that protect communities and wildlife from wildfire.
Implementation Project applications open
January 16 – February 13, 2026.
How the Program Works
NBFIP supports landowners through optional planning (Forest Management Plans) and on-the-ground Implementation projects, with cost-share reimbursement provided after approved work is completed.
Check Eligibility
Ensure your property meets county and program requirements so you know if your land qualifies for NBFIP support.
Plan Your Forest Work
You may work with an RPF or partner forester to prepare a Forest Management Plan, or use an existing plan from the past ~5 years. An FMP is not required for an Implementation project, but having one will strengthen your application.
Apply for Funding
Submit an Implementation project application during an open window. Once the window closes, applications are ranked and awarded . This process takes approximately 6 weeks.
Complete Work
After your completed work is approved, NBFIP reimburses a percentage of eligible costs based on the program’s payment rates.
Our Partners
A collaborative program led by local Resource Conservation Districts and the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center, supported by CAL FIRE and Conservation Works.
Helping Landowners Improve Forest Health
NBFIP provides cost-share funding to private, non-industrial landowners for forest health improvement work—like thinning, pruning, and replanting—that reduces wildfire risk and enhances habitat.
Eligible projects can receive up to 80% of costs reimbursed depending on location and project type.
Real Projects. Real Impact.
NBFIP-supported projects have restored hundreds of acres of forest and created defensible space across the North Bay. See how neighbors are protecting their land and community.
“After the Glass Fire burned through our property, it left a lot of dead standing manzanita and trees. The North Bay Forest Improvement Program grant gave us the funds we needed to hire the labor to cut, pile and burn all that vegetation. Now, 200 burn piles later, the work is done, and we are much better protected from a future wildfire coming from the east.”
-Richard Kavinoky, Monan’s Rill Community
“This program empowers local forestland owners to take real, proactive steps to reduce their risk of wildfire and improve forest health.”
- Oona Heacock, Executive Director of Conservation Works
Get Local Help
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Mendocino County RCD
Adam Coleman, Forestry Project Manager
115 E Smith Street
Ukiah, CA 95482 -
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Clear Lake Environmental Research Center
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Napa County RCD
Danielle Ashton, Forest Health Project Manager
1303 Jefferson St.
Suite 500B Napa, CA 94559 -
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Sonoma County RCD
Genevieve Tarino,
Forestry Program Manager1221 Farmers Lane, Suite F
Santa Rosa, CA 95405 -
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Gold Ridge RCD
Adriana Stagnaro
Forestry Project Manager2776 Sullivan Rd
Sebastopol CA 95472 -
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Conservation Works - General inquiries
For general inquiries and for more information, please contact:
Sarah Keiser at Conservation Works
Reimbursement Percentages
Your incentive amount depends on where your property is located. Properties in Disadvantaged or Severely Disadvantaged Communities (DAC/SDAC) qualify for a higher cost-share rate.
DAC/SDAC Properties
NBFIP can reimburse up to 80% of the activity cap rate (or 80% of actual invoiced costs, whichever is lower) for eligible projects on properties located within a DAC or SDAC.
All Other Areas
For properties outside DAC/SDAC areas, NBFIP can reimburse up to 60% of the activity cap rate (or 60% of actual invoiced costs, whichever is lower).
Landowners may optionally choose a lower rate (for example, 40%) to increase their application ranking in competitive funding rounds.
Unsure if your property is in a DAC/SDAC area? Use our mapping tools or contact your local RCD for help.