Mono County staff outline state's Joint Strategy to integrate wildfire resiliency and outdoor recreation; board directs staff to return with formal resolution

Wendy Grzeski (Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator), Marcela Rose (Sustainable Recreation Manager) and Liz Grange (Economic Development) briefed the Board on the California Joint Strategy for Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Wildfire Resilience, a state-level framework intended to align recreation planning with wildfire and climate risk mitigation. Grzeski said the strategy aims to "create a framework for federal, state, and local planners and wildfire professionals to look at proposed and existing recreation and wildfire mitigation projects" to identify places where joint work can accelerate grant eligibility and project impact.

Marcela Rose outlined the strategy's four goals—integrating forest health and recreation, advancing inclusion and access, promoting health through recreation, and supporting resilient recreation economies—and suggested concrete changes such as using wildfire-resilient materials in kiosks and restroom structures, building defensible space around recreation assets, multilingual interpretive programming and coordinated communications for closures and openings. Rose also described ongoing county efforts: seasonal field staff hiring, a Camp Like a Pro campfire-safety video planned for Memorial Day, and a visitor center revitalization in Bridgeport.

Board members pressed for equity across jurisdictions, tribal inclusion in housing strategies, and ways to ensure remote communities benefit from regional projects. Staff recommended returning with a resolution to formalize adoption; the board directed staff to prepare such a resolution to appear on a future agenda. No final resolution was adopted during this item; staff will draft a formal resolution for board consideration.