Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday criticized recent federal reductions to U.S. Forest Service funding and said California is accelerating state‑level vegetation management and prescribed burns to compensate.
Speaking at the Aviation Management Unit in Sacramento during a CAL FIRE announcement, Newsom said federal budget changes included a nationwide reduction of about $450 million for vegetation and forest management and cuts to U.S. Forest Service staff and regional offices. “Cuts to the US Forest Service. 10% cuts in frontline employees, 25% cuts to people supporting the administration and work done by our brave men and women at the US Forest Service, cuts to our regional forest service offices,” Newsom said.
Newsom urged readers to recall the cuts when federal leaders call for more state action, saying the administration is “stepping in to that void” with state investments. He pointed to an emergency proclamation to speed vegetation projects under the Cal VTP programmatic environmental impact report and said more than 50 projects have been completed, treating over 12,000 critical acres.
CAL OES Chief Deputy Director Tina Curry framed the broader readiness context, reminding Californians that the state is a coordination hub for tsunamis, earthquakes and fires and encouraging residents to sign up for county emergency alert systems.
Newsom also highlighted partnerships with local tribes in northern California on the Orleans Complex and other incidents, praising work with the Karuk Tribe and others in vegetation management and response.
The remarks were statements of policy direction and critique; no federal action was taken at the event and no formal state statutory changes were announced. Officials presented the actions as part of an ongoing, multiyear push to both prevent and suppress wildfires.