Social and Ecological Resiliency Across the Landscape (SERAL)

The SERAL project aims to enhance forest resilience and reduce wildfire risk across approximately 118,000 acres in Tuolumne County by implementing fuel reduction treatments on both public and private lands within the Tuolumne and Stanislaus River Watersheds. Contractors will employ a suite of techniques including mechanical thinning, mastication, hand crews, chipping, prescribed fire, and biomass utilization, supplemented by reforestation where necessary, to restore vegetation to its natural range of variation. Work will occur simultaneously across multiple designated areas over a five-year period, with each zone adhering to tailored best management practices that consider local ecological conditions. Prior to any activity, comprehensive biological and cultural resource surveys will be conducted, and sensitive areas such as streams and wetlands will be clearly marked for avoidance to protect environmental integrity. While some treatment zones may be visible from public roads, there are no designated scenic highways in the county, minimizing visual impact concerns. The overarching goal is to reduce hazardous fuel loads and promote forest structures better adapted to natural disturbance regimes, thereby increasing resilience to wildfires, insect outbreaks, disease, drought, and climate change impacts. The project is administered by Tuolumne County with primary contact information provided by the Senior Management Analyst for Forest Health Project, and the initiative is forecasted to be active beginning in July 2026.