Public comment period extended for Golden State Natural Resources’ Forest Resiliency Demonstration Project

Golden State Natural Resources recently extended the public review period for its Draft Environmental Impact Report to 90 days, now ending on Jan. 20, 2025.

This extension, approved by the Golden State Finance Authority, allows more time for public input on GSNR’s forest resiliency demonstration project, aimed at reducing wildfire risks by processing excess biomass into renewable wood pellets.

This project addresses a critical need for proactive forest management in California, and GSNR looks forward to engaging with the community on this initiative.

Original Oct. 16 statement
Golden State Finance Authority to host public meetings regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Report for proposed Forest Resiliency Demonstration Project

In preparation for the Oct. 22, release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Golden State Natural Resources’ proposed forest resiliency demonstration project, the project’s lead agency, Golden State Finance Authority, will be hosting three public meetings to provide the public with an introduction to the report, detail the comment submission process, and receive initial public comment.

GSNR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation, established by rural counties in California, to address the urgent issue of catastrophic fires from overgrown and under-managed forests. The proposed forest resiliency demonstration project is currently in the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act to ensure any and all potential impacts are identified, comprehensively evaluated, and mitigated to the fullest extent feasible. A significant step in this process is the release of a publicly shared draft of the required Environmental Impact Report which provides an opportunity for public review and comment on the adequacy of the report before its completion.

At this time, GSFA anticipates the DEIR release to occur on Oct, 22, 2024 and, once released, will provide a 60-day review period for public evaluation and comment, closing Dec. 23, 2024.

GSNR’s Forest Resiliency Demonstration Project 
GSNR’s proposed project would improve the resiliency of California’s forestlands from catastrophic wildfire by sustainably gathering and processing excess biomass into wood pellets for use in renewable energy generation, often as a replacement for fossil fuels such as coal. The proposed project would include the development of two wood pellet processing facilities, one in the foothills of the Central Sierra Nevada Mountain range, in Tuolumne County, and one in the Modoc Plateau of Northern California, in Lassen County. The finished pellets would then be transported by rail to the Port of Stockton for international shipping.

“Wildfires impact communities throughout the state, threatening lives, property and our natural habitats, while filling the air with toxic smoke. GSNR’s proposed project seeks to mitigate these events by creating a sustainable pathway for forest treatment projects in California,” said GSNR Board Chair and Inyo County Supervisor Matt Kingsley. “The release of the DEIR is a significant step in advancing these efforts and we look forward to engaging with and hearing from the public during the CEQA process.”

Additional information on GSNR and the proposed project can be found at goldenstatenaturalresources.com. Details on the DEIR and the upcoming meetings are also available at goldenstatenaturalresources.com/deir.