restoring the balance
Resilient Forests, Thriving Communities.
Every year, wildfire kills Californians, wipes out entire towns and thousands of homes. Wildfire consumes vast areas of forest, killing untold numbers of trees, animals and other plants. Whole species are eliminated. Natural water systems are destroyed. There is no greater environmental disaster. There is no greater environmental threat to all Californians, to our forests, to wildlife, to our water supply, to agriculture or to our way of life.
Wildfires cost much more to fight than can be sustained. California now experiences multiple mega fires each year. Large numbers of firefighters, engines, aircraft and support personnel are deployed, all at unacceptable risk and cost. When they are successful, huge tracts of the landscape are nevertheless laid bare. There is no greater priority than to control this annual cycle of destruction.
CHIPS is a non-profit organization that recognizes these priorities and endeavors to reduce the threat of wildfire. CHIPS performs wildfire prevention through fuels reduction, reversing decades of overgrowth. CHIPS returns forested areas to their natural state of fire resistance, allowing our beautiful and productive mountains to thrive once again. There is no greater cause, and CHIPS is dedicated to its success.
services
wildfire prevention
Wildfire prevention work transforms landscapes and communities by blending innovation with stewardship: creating resilient forests through strategic fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and community-focused defensible spaces; protecting homes, infrastructure, and air quality while preserving biodiversity; reducing the catastrophic costs and human toll of megafires; and fostering local economies through skilled, year-round forest management jobs. This proactive approach not only honors traditional land-care practices but elevates them with modern science and technology to secure safer, healthier ecosystems for generations.
fuels reduction
Fuel reduction work, such as thinning overgrown brush and removing dead wood, is a critical practice that acts as both a shield against catastrophic wildfires and a catalyst for long-term forest vitality. By clearing out the highly combustible ladder fuels that allow flames to climb into the tree canopy, these efforts significantly lower the intensity and spread of potential fires, making them safer and easier for crews to manage. Beyond fire mitigation, thinning overcrowded vegetation reduces fierce competition for scarce resources like water, sunlight, and soil nutrients. This allows the remaining mature trees to grow stronger and deepens their resilience against pests and drought, ultimately cultivating a more balanced, resilient ecosystem where native wildlife and flora can thrive.
forest restoration
Forest restoration goes beyond immediate hazard reduction to actively rebuild and revitalize ecosystems that have been degraded by severe fires, disease, or historical mismanagement. By reintroducing native plant species, stabilizing soils, and repairing natural watersheds, these comprehensive efforts help rebuild critical habitats for local wildlife and promote deep-rooted biodiversity. This holistic approach not only heals scarred landscapes but also enhances the forest's natural ability to sequester carbon and filter pure water, ultimately creating a robust, self-sustaining environment that is better equipped to withstand future climate extremes and environmental stressors.
NOW HIRING! WORK WITH US
Take on an exciting opportunity to work for CHIPS Forestry
Our
mission
The CHIPS Forestry mission is to empower disadvantaged communities, and in particular Native Americans, by fostering workforce development, preserving tribal ecological knowledge, and promoting sustainable forest stewardship. We are committed to protecting and restoring natural resources and ancestral lands while nurturing economic growth and self-sufficiency. Our approach values intergenerational wisdom, respects cultural heritage, and strives to create meaningful, skill-building employment opportunities in forest management and restoration for the betterment of disadvantaged Native American communities and the environment. By achieving a triple bottom line of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, CHIPS is dedicated to creating a lasting positive impact on Native American communities, our shared ecosystems, and future generations.
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