LAKE COUNTY
Lake County’s annual burn ban starts May 1, 2025
The annual burn ban in Lake County starts on Thursday, May 1, 2025 to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality. The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County. All burn permits expire on April 30, 2025. The burn ban includes ALL open green waste burning, though exemptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire hazard reduction projects, and public safety burns.
The annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality. A managed approach incorporating Fire and Air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon for many years. The ban allows a quick Fire Agency response to all fires observed from May 1 on, as all fires are assumed to be uncontrolled unless specifically authorized by an exemption permit and have been cleared for fire safety. This successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality.
The requirements to obtain an exemption permit to burn after May 1 can be found at www.LCAQMD.net. Please email a complete exemption request form to lcaqmd@lcaqmd.net for consideration.
Burning during the ban without an exemption permit is a violation and may be subject to citation, fines, and suppression costs to extinguish the fire.
Please help us reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires, and protect our clean air. Public cooperation is greatly appreciated and results in a safer and more healthful environment for us all.
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SACRAMENTO
New interactive tool helps visualize California urban tree canopy data
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is proud to announce a new interactive mapping tool to visualize urban tree canopy across California. This tool was developed in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and displays 2022 high-resolution (60cm) urban tree canopy for all 2020 Census designated urban areas in the state of California, as well as canopy-related change between 2018 and 2022.
Tree canopy is a critical component of California’s environmental infrastructure, offering wide-ranging benefits from reducing extreme heat and improving air quality to enhancing property values and wildlife habitat.
This powerful new tool is intended for researchers, policymakers, local government, and the public and will help communities better understand, manage, and protect urban tree canopy across the state. This interactive platform provides detailed insights into the extent and changes of California’s urban tree canopy—defined as the layer of leaves, branches, and stems that cover the ground when viewed from above.
CAL FIRE will host a public webinar on the new interactive mapping tool on April 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. To register visit https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/3cd05402-7e74-49df-b9d2-e08d61ba82ab@447a4ca0-5405-454d-ad68-c98a520261f8
Over the last five years, California has led the nation in investing in urban forestry and green schoolyards, with CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program alone awarding more than $195 million in grant funding to 111 projects across the state. Benefits of these projects include increased economic impacts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation of extreme heat, enhanced learning environments at schools and childcare facilities, cleaner air and water, reduced energy use, flood and stormwater management, recreation, and improved public health, among many others. The program works to increase the long-term benefits trees provide for the benefit of all Californians.
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LAKEPORT
Understanding The Crisis Experience: A deep dive into the psychological, emotional and systemic impacts of trauma on children and their families
Tuesday May 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Soper Reese Theater located at 275 S. Main Street.
Join us for an inspiring session that sheds light on the realities of the foster care system and the power of resilience. Learn how lived experience can drive meaningful change and discover ways to support foster youth on their path to success.
The program is provided at no cost. It is funded in partnership with Chabot-las Positas Community College District and Mendocino County Social Services Agency.
Special Guest Ashley Rhodes-Courter, LCSW. Rhodes-Courter is a renowned Keynote Speaker, New York bestselling author and child welfare advocate.
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