Nevada County Resilience Fund

Nevada County is among the most wildfire-prone regions in California. Nearly the entire county is designated “very high” fire hazard, and recent events—such as the 2021 River Fire—underscore the ongoing threat to residents, homes, local businesses, and natural resources. Wildfire impacts extend far beyond burned acres: disruptions to utilities and transportation systems, degraded air quality, and long-term stress on the local economy all illustrate the urgency of proactive investment in resilience.

The Nevada County Resilience Fund is a collaborative initiative designed to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen long-term resilience across Nevada County. PG&E, the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services, the City of Nevada City, the City of Grass Valley, the National Forest Foundation, and the Climate & Wildfire Institute have united to launch this effort. Guided by the county’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), the Fund invests in science-informed projects that protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and the natural landscapes that define the region.

What the Resilience Fund Does

• Reduce wildfire risk and vulnerability across communities, infrastructure, and landscapes.

• Align with priorities identified in the CWPP and reflect on-the-ground conditions.

• Improve community safety, confidence, and preparedness.

• Strengthen local economic resilience through local contracting and workforce participation.

• Can scale to help inform other regions facing similar threats.

Project Leads:

• Scott Scherbinski, Program Manager, Climate & Wildfire Institute