How the North Bay Forest Improvement Program Mitigates Wildfire Risks with Molly Curley O'Brien

Описание: To just have fire experts talk about resilience is not going to create a resilient project and so it's a good thing to have folks to be part of the conversation. We do not know the full scope of what's needed to get done. And together, we can figure it out." -Molly Curley O'Brien


Episode Description:
While forest landowners play a critical role in mitigating wildfire, they often face challenges that make this difficult.

For instance, many are not sure how to get started even if they want to start managing their lands for wildfire protection. They may feel overwhelmed by the task of preparing their land for wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. They may lack knowledge on how to mitigate wildfires safely and effectively or the access to funding mitigation efforts.

That's why, in an effort to provide a solution to these problems, After the Fire has launched its North Bay Forest Improvement Program/NBFI with the leadership of the Director of Grants and Government Programs for ATF, Molly Curley O'Brien. NBFIP is an initiative to help landowners get compensated for work they perform on their forested lands.

This week, Jennifer and Molly discuss more about NBFIP, how it came to be, and why this initiative is crucial in fire mitigation efforts. They also talk about the importance of building collective resilience, how to help our technical experts, how innovation is tied to resilience, and why funding should be a priority in sustaining these mitigation efforts.

How the North Bay Forest Improvement Program Mitigates Wildfire Risks with Molly Curley O'Brien


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Highlights:
05:20 What is the North Bay Forest Improvement Program
09:32 Why Compensation is Needed
17:15 The Secret Sauce
21:49 Technical Experts Need Help
26:06 Inside the Processes
30:28 Collective Resilience
37:20 A Dire Need in the Resilience Space
42:44 A Regional Effort After the Fire USA is a dynamic nonprofit organization based in the beautiful community of Sonoma, California. As the CEO, I am proud to lead this dedicated team in our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters.

At After the Fire USA, we believe in the power of resilience, community, and support. Our organization was born out of the recognition that wildfires can bring devastation and hardship to communities. We are committed to helping communities rebuild and become more resilient after wildfires and other disasters.

Our core initiatives include:

1. Community Resilience: We work closely with communities to develop and implement disaster preparedness and recovery plans. Our goal is to empower individuals and neighborhoods to better withstand future disasters.

2. Wildfire Education: Education is a key component of our mission. We offer resources and workshops to educate the public about wildfire prevention, safety, and the importance of being prepared. We host a podcast called How to Disaster with a wide variety of expertise and experience in preparing, responding, and rebuilding. Yearly, we convene the top leaders and wildfire survivors in the nation to share best practices, new ideas, and strengthen the network.

3. Wildfire Advocacy: We assist local, state, and federal leaders in navigating the process of recovery, access a wide network of experienced wildfire and disaster leaders, and advocate for wildfire policies and practices that prioritize safety and effective management.

4. Network of Experienced Leaders: We bring a massive network of experienced wildfire and disaster leaders as we deploy into newly fire-affected communities. Our commitment is to stay for the long-term process of recovery, providing expertise and support every step of the way.

As the CEO, I am passionate about leading this organization towards a future where communities are better equipped to face the challenges of wildfires. Together with our dedicated team and partners, we are making a difference in the lives of communities affected by these disasters.

Join us in our mission to promote resilience, educate, advocate, and provide long-term support. After the Fire USA is here to offer hope and work towards a safer, more resilient future.

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