CAL FIRE Continues to Support Innovative Science Addressing Wildfire & Forest Health Challenges with New Forest Health Research Grant Funding

RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2026

CAL FIRE Continues to Support Innovative Science Addressing Wildfire & Forest Health Challenges with New Forest Health Research Grant Funding

Sacramento, CA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is pleased to announce the availability of $4.5 million in California Climate Investments (CCI) funding and $3 million in Proposition 4 California Climate Bond (Prop 4) funding through the Forest Health Research Grants Program. CAL FIRE is seeking research proposals that advance scientific understanding and develop practical solutions to the urgent forest health and wildfire challenges facing California’s landscapes and communities.

This year’s Forest Health Research grants include three concurrent solicitations for CCI-funded research, research led by graduate students, and larger Prop 4 funded collaborative research projects that support landscape-scale forest and fire management. These grants are intended to support research that delivers direct benefits to landowners, resource agencies, fire management organizations, and decision-makers across the state. CAL FIRE encourages innovative proposals that generate new knowledge and produce actionable tools that strengthen forest health, improve wildfire resilience, and support effective land management.

Previously funded projects Previously funded projects highlight the wide-ranging impact of the program, supporting efforts from testing new remote sensing technology, to improving how California evaluates the costs and benefits of wildfire fuel reduction projects, to restoring culturally important chaparral landscapes in areas damaged by the 2024 Park Fire.

“These research partnerships are essential to helping California stay ahead of the evolving wildfire and forest health challenges we face,” said CAL FIRE Deputy Director of Natural Resource Management Eric Huff. “By supporting innovative science and practical tools, we can better protect communities, strengthen forest resilience, and ensure our investments deliver meaningful benefits across the state now and into the future.”

Official Call for Applications:

Forest Health Research Grants Program: The call for concept proposals opens on June 11, 2026. Proposals are due no later than 3:00 PM PST on July 30, 2026.

A public virtual workshop and applicant office hours will be held during the open application period. Please check the Forest Health Research Grants web pages for dates, times, and locations. The workshop will be recorded and made available on the program web page.

This program supports and complements the goals of the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force Action Plan, the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy.

The Forest Health Research Grant Program is supported by both California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses cap‑and‑invest dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster the economy, and improve public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities, and Proposition 4 California Climate Bond, which provides funding for climate resilience and natural resource protection across California.

For more information and to sign up for grant email announcements, visit www.fire.ca.gov/grants.

News Staff