CALIFORNIA’S FUTURE FOREST HEALTH AND RESILIENCE RELIES ON US ALL
The California Forestry Sector Jobs Initiative is focused on providing durable employment opportunities and a robust workforce to maintain and build a key industry dedicated to sustainability, wildfire prevention, and post fire recovery.
ABOUT US
"We cannot achieve fire prevention and forest recovery without a solid, skilled workforce." - Matt Dias, President and CEO, California Forestry Association (Calforests)
Welcome to the California Forestry Sector Jobs Initiative, a pioneering effort inspired by the California Forestry Association (Calforests) and driven by the vision of a resilient, inclusive, and thriving forest products sector. Our initiative is committed to increasing workforce diversity, ensuring equitable opportunities, and addressing the urgent need for proactive forest management to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires in California.
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THE NEED
California’s forestlands are a unique and invaluable resource that require active management to ensure their health and resilience. With an aging workforce and a dwindling recruitment pool, the need for skilled workers in the forest products sector has never been more critical. Our initiative addresses this gap by creating pathways for rewarding careers in forestry, particularly for those from underserved communities. These careers not only support the state’s goals of resiliency but also foster economic growth and job equity in regions that need it most.
OUR APPROACH
The California Forestry Sector Jobs Initiative is focused on several key objectives:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
We provide comprehensive training and skills development to prepare individuals for careers in forest management and fire prevention. Our programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within the forest products sector.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We are committed to diversifying our workforce by creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities. This includes targeted outreach, recruitment, and support to ensure that all Californians have a chance to contribute to and benefit from this vital industry.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our initiative works closely with community officials, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to build strong, collaborative relationships. These partnerships are essential in connecting community members with job and career opportunities and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for forest health.
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
By promoting resilient forests, we enhance air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and economic vitality. Our efforts contribute to the broader goal of climate adaptation and help ensure the long-term survival of California’s wildland-urban interface.
Where We Were...
According to research from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), California’s forest products industry continues to play a significant role in the state’s economy.
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In 2021, approximately 58,373 full- and part-time private-sector workers were directly employed in California’s forest products industry.
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The majority of these workers (78%) were in secondary wood products manufacturing, such as furniture, cabinetry, and engineered wood products.
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Employment was also spread across sawmills, logging, forestry support, and pulp and paper manufacturing.
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This snapshot of employment underscores the scale and diversity of California’s forest workforce, which is essential for maintaining forest health, supporting local economies, and contributing to wildfire resilience.
Industry Challenges
While the forestry sector provides thousands of jobs, a comprehensive Forest Sector Workforce Study by Valley Vision highlights the challenges that must be addressed to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Key findings include:
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An aging workforce: Many current workers are approaching retirement, creating an urgent need for new entrants into the field.
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Persistent staffing shortages: Critical roles in forest management, wildfire mitigation, and milling operations often go unfilled.
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Barriers to recruitment: High housing costs near forested regions, limited awareness of forestry careers, and gaps in specialized training programs restrict the pipeline of new workers.
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These insights reveal both the urgency of the challenge and the potential for growth.