China Gulch Fuel Break Phase II
PROJECT COMPLETE MARCH 2026: Fuels Reduction Maintenance on the China Gulch Fuel Break
Zoom in on the map below to take a closer look at the project footprint in blue.
Project Information:
In 2019, WSRCD was contracted by Cal Fire to implement the China Gulch Fuel Break-- one of the Governor’s 35 highest priority emergency fuel break projects. WSRCD oversaw the implementation of fuel reduction work on approximately 300 acres of primarily private property to increase the fire resiliency of southwest Redding and Happy Valley. Due to the extremely short window to complete the emergency project, however, WSRCD was only able to complete a small amount of follow-up herbicide treatment on re-sprouting vegetation because the funding was not extended beyond June 2020.
Extending the life of a fuel break though maintenance is the best way to increase the original investment, as re-treating and existing fuel break is much more cost effective than creating a new one. In order to protect the investment that was put into the China Gulch Fuel Break, WSRCD has been actively pursuing grant funding to complete maintenance of the project. We are pleased to report that we have been recently awarded such a grant through Cal Fire’s Fire Prevention Grant Program.
Click here to learn more about shaded fuel break maintenence.
China Gulch Fuels Reduction Project Phase II is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap and- Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.