SACRAMENTO
New app launches to build database of cone servey information
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CAL FIRE) Lewis A. Moran Reforestation Center (LAMRC) needs your help in reforesting California and is looking to members of the public and private landowners to assist in the yearly Cone Crop Survey. The Reforestation Services Program is responsible for cone surveys across the entire state and rely heavily on the expertise of external foresters, reforestation entities, research professionals, and reforestation minded individuals to assist with these surveys.
How can the public and private landowners assist? The Reforestation Pipeline Partnership, led by American
Forests and joined by CAL FIRE, the US Forest Service and other entities, have launched a new joint cone survey application where anyone can provide cone survey data. The Cone Observation Survey via the
Survey123 application (available for iOS & Android) allows cone survey data to be shared across multiple
organizations.
The objective of the yearly Cone Crop Survey is to identify potential conifer cone crops in California that can produce viable seeds for reforestation projects such as post-fire restoration and other reforestation demands. This indispensable information can ultimately translate into seeds available to benefit your region. It is estimated that the Seed Bank would need to collect 76,304 bushels for the entire state to meet today's reforestation needs.
This year CAL FIRE is especially focused on the following species: Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, Jeffrey
pine, coast redwood, white fir, red fir, and blister rust resistant sugar pine below 6000 feet. More information on California's reforestation needs can be found in the Assessment of Needs. Suitable crops that are discovered by the cone survey will be harvested between July and September. Cones then get transported to the LAMRC for processing and quality testing and are then packaged for storage in the State Seed Bank until they are requested for reforestation projects.
The State Seed Bank manager has distributed a memorandum containing a full description of how you can
help support reforestation efforts in your region, additional resources, and detailed instructions on the Cone
Observation Survey and criteria for rating cone crops. For more info contact 530-753-2441 or visit www.fire.ca.gov
—Submitted
OAKLAND
PG&E customers encouraged to explore financial assistance programs to lower energy costs and manage summer bills
Flexible pay plans and options available to help customers get their energy accounts back on track
As summer heats up and home energy use increases in parts of California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges eligible customers to enroll in financial assistance programs to help lower energy costs and better manage summer energy bills.
PG&E also continues working with customers who have past-due balances—as result of the pandemic or other financial hardship—to help them set up payment arrangements or get help with unpaid balances and prevent a service disconnection.
Programs that can help
Customers may qualify for support from financial assistance programs, including:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federally funded program that helps low-income households with their energy bills, including those at risk of having service interrupted for non-payment. LIHEAP is overseen by the California Department of Community Services and Development and administered by nonprofit agencies. Program eligibility is determined by income, household size, place of residence, and other factors. To find the local LIHEAP agency, visit csd.ca.gov/energybills or call 866-675-6623.
California Alternative Rates for Energy Program (CARE): Qualified households can save 20% or more each month on their energy bill. Customers can apply for CARE online at pge.com/CARE. Applying is easy and only takes about five minutes. Qualifying customers will begin receiving the CARE program discount within their next billing cycle.
Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): Income-qualified households with three or more people can apply for the FERA program at pge.com/FERA for an 18% discount on their electric bill.
Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help Program (REACH): Provides income-qualified customers with financial assistance up to $500, based on their past due bill, during times of hardship (energy credit support is subject to funding availability). Customers can apply for REACH support at dollarenergy.org/MyApp.
Medical Baseline Program: Customers on the Medical Baseline program who have special energy needs due to certain qualifying medical conditions can receive a lower rate on monthly energy bills.
—Submitted
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