Marin Voice: Wildfire prevention group’s ecological partnership is paying off

The 2017 deadly wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties, followed by Butte County’s Camp Fire in 2018, brought home the urgency of addressing Marin’s new climate realities.

As the idea of a countywide approach to managing wildfire risk took shape and evolved into Measure C on the 2020 Marin ballot, fire officials across the county, as well as leaders of the environmental community, recognized the role climate change is playing in escalating wildfire threats.

As a result of their conversations, the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority joint-powers agreement was amended to state:

“Intensifying climate change and extensive fuel buildup are contributing to the increasing threat of wildfire throughout Marin County and, to the extent possible, should be addressed through ecologically sound practices that minimize release of greenhouse gases and protect the biodiversity and resilience of Marin’s landscapes.”

The creation of the Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership (aka the ESP) was an outgrowth of this process. Even before Measure C was on the ballot, the steering committee of the newly formed ESP convened an exploratory session on Jan. 8, 2020, inviting people known for their expertise and involvement in wildfire, climate and the environment. Nearly 60 people came, packing the Marin Conservation League office in San Rafael.

There were leading fire professionals, fire scientists and fire ecologists; climate scientists, planners and advocates; specialists in gardens, native plants, pollination, wildlife and ecosystems, watersheds, soil, forests, composting, waste processing and carbon sequestration.

All were focused on how to deliver effective wildfire reduction in a manner that responded to our climate crisis and supported Marin’s rich biological diversity. Out of this early discussion the ESP was born.

The creation of the wildfire authority was truly remarkable. It is the first (and possibly only) regional taxing authority that addresses wildfire threats, which is crucial because wildfires burn indifferent to local government boundaries. Since it began, the collaboration of fire professionals and environmental advocates, often at odds with each other, has been a hallmark of MWPA’s success.

The ESP’s primary goals are to prepare and maintain a set of ecologically sound practices to guide wildfire risk reduction work and to offer expertise during the development of wildfire authority projects. This collaborative process helped build trust and understanding between fire professionals and environmentalists. It developed solutions across numerous areas of expertise and deepened respect and appreciation of the holistic approach required to effectively address climate change impacts.

With the passage of Measure C, interested parties began working on recommendations in three areas of focus: vegetation management projects, carbon management and defensible space guidance for residents.  By June of 2022, the practices had been drafted, extensively reviewed and accepted by MWPA.

The Novato shaded fuel break project is an example of how ESP guidelines have been incorporated into MWPA fire treatments. These necessary treatments avoid the loss of certain vulnerable plants, prevent harm to protected wildlife, preserve oak woodlands and protect wetlands. The crews are removing invasive plants such as broom, acacia and eucalyptus.  The objective is both to reduce wildfire risks and to sustain the forest’s ecological health.

ESP continues its work through monthly forums with expert presentations on a wide range of new developments and policy issues. Out of these sessions, the ESP group was recognized as the basis for a fire-worker training curriculum initiated by the Marin Fire Foundry program. A survey course known as “Frontiers of Fire” was developed and taught by ESP members.

The Marin Biomass Project also began as an ESP project. Its research seeks to measure biomass generated by fuel removal, select the best “pathways” for utilizing Marin’s biomass feedstock and identify cost-effective, low-carbon ways to use biomass as a renewable energy source.

We appreciate the foresight of Marin’s fire officials in recognizing the seriousness of the climate crisis and how it has accelerated wildfires, lengthened fire seasons and exacerbated smoke, air pollution and adverse health effects.

We also appreciate the environmental community for its stewardship of the natural environment, patience and innovative solutions. We are pleased to be part of this community partnership, which is a model for 21st century problem-solving. Marin has done it right.

Belle Cole is chair of the Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership. Mike Swezy is a Marin-based fire ecologist. Both were among the founders of ESP.