written by Fibershed staff
photography by Paige Green
On September 27, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 675 (SB 675) into law, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing wildfire crisis. Introduced by Senator Monique Limón, the bill establishes a local assistance grant program to promote the use of prescribed grazing as a tool for wildfire prevention and forest health.
SB 675 empowers graziers – those who manage livestock grazing – to play a crucial role in wildfire mitigation by controlling vegetation growth in fire-prone areas. The bill provides financial incentives through state-backed grants, supporting the implementation of grazing programs that manage overgrown vegetation, which often fuels large, destructive wildfires.
The bill is part of California’s broader wildfire resilience strategy and aligns with the goals of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. By promoting grazing as a climate-resilient practice, the legislation recognizes its environmental benefits and potential for long-term ecosystem health. Grazing, when managed carefully, can reduce wildfire risks while also fostering biodiversity and sustainable land use.
SB 675 is sponsored by the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and was developed in close collaboration with the Community Environmental Council, Fibershed, and local fire professionals, prescribed grazing practitioners, and rangeland ecologists across the state.
A Boon for Graziers and Land Managers
SB 675 is particularly significant for graziers, as it directly incentivizes their participation in land management practices aimed at reducing wildfire risks. Controlled grazing allows livestock to clear excess vegetation in targeted areas, lowering the chance of fires spreading uncontrollably. The financial assistance offered by the grant program will help cover costs for landowners and ranchers, encouraging widespread adoption of this preventive measure.
“Fibershed has been so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with contract grazers, shepherds, and animal husbandry colleagues in listening sessions and gracious opportunities provided by CalCAN” says Rebecca Burgess, “This is a win-win, for California graziers and land managers”
Next Steps for SB 675 Implementation
With SB 675 now officially part of California’s statutes, the next phase involves the development and implementation of the prescribed grazing grant program. The Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, alongside other responsible agencies, will begin drafting guidelines and criteria for how the grants will be distributed. Landowners and graziers interested in participating will need to stay tuned as specific deadlines and application processes are finalized in the coming months.
In addition, these agencies will monitor the effectiveness of prescribed grazing projects, reporting on the program’s impact in terms of wildfire mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
As this legislation rolls out, it provides hope that proactive land management strategies like prescribed grazing could help mitigate California’s wildfire risks while promoting long-term environmental health. Graziers and land managers are encouraged to keep informed of new developments and opportunities to engage with this groundbreaking program.