A team of California and Nevada fire scientists have produced a booklet with step-by-step guidance on retrofitting an existing home to be more resilient to fire.

Susie Kocher, UC Cooperative Extension forestry and natural resources advisor and co-author of the new guide, said some homeowners feel powerless to protect their homes against California's increasing wildfire threat.

“I'm happy to tell them that's not...

Navigating natural resource management rules and regulations in California can be daunting for private forest landowners. California's Forest Practice Rules were created in 1974, and have evolved over the years through a collaborative process between Registered Professional Foresters, landowners and regulators. Proponents would say these rules have protected public resource values and emphasize the importance in planning for sustainable resources management. Opponents would say these rules have been taken to an extreme, taking away landowner's flexibility in managing their forestland and increasing costs that prevent work from occurring. UC Cooperative...