California Bill Seeks to Streamline State’s Timber Harvesting Process

The bill would allow timberland owners to go through a single review system, which could reduce delays and allow state agencies to better maintain the forests.

Firefighters put out hot spots from the Park Fire along Highway 32 near Forest Ranch, Calif., on July 30, 2024. Nic Coury/AP Photo

A new bill in the California Assembly aims to reduce wildfire risk by streamlining the state’s timber harvesting process.

“California’s current permitting system for timber harvesting is fragmented and cumbersome, creating unnecessary delays that hinder responsible forest management and wildfire prevention efforts,” Assemblyman Chris Ward, who introduced AB 763, said in a statement.