Bill > AB687

This bill modifies existing forestry regulations to create a new pathway for wildfire fuels reduction projects by allowing up to 35 projects per year to prepare timber harvesting plans under more streamlined conditions. Specifically, these projects must be noncommercial in nature, focused on reducing wildfire risks in timberlands, cover less than 1,500 acres (increased from the previous 1,000-acre limit), and be at least partially funded by public money. Currently, timber operations require a detailed timber harvesting plan prepared by a registered professional forester and approved by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. By creating this exception, the bill aims to expedite wildfire prevention efforts while maintaining environmental review through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The provisions are temporary and will automatically expire on January 1, 2031. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that no reimbursement will be required from the state for implementing these changes, and it acknowledges that the expanded scope of allowable projects might create a new type of potential legal violation, which could be considered a state-mandated local program.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB687