Assemblymember Chris Ward Introduces AB 763 to Streamline Timber Harvest Permitting Process

(SACRAMENTO, CA) –Today, Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced Assembly Bill 763, a crucial measure to synchronize the state’s timber harvest and wildfire fuel reduction permitting process. By aligning approval timelines across multiple state agencies, AB 763 aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, lower costs, and enhance proactive forest management while maintaining environmental protections.

“California’s current permitting system for timber harvesting is fragmented and cumbersome, creating unnecessary delays that hinder responsible forest management and wildfire prevention efforts,” said Assemblymember Ward. “With wildfires continuing to destroy communities and devastate our forests year after year, AB 763 will create a more coordinated and transparent approach, allowing landowners and businesses to manage forest lands efficiently while ensuring we uphold our state’s environmental standards.”

Recent wildfires have devastated California, destroying thousands of acres, displacing families, and straining emergency resources. Experts warn the risk will only grow without proactive forest management.

Currently, timberland owners must navigate multiple agencies—CAL FIRE, Regional Water Boards, and Fish and Wildlife—each with its own rules and timelines. This fragmented system causes delays, raises costs, and slows wildfire prevention efforts.

AB 763 streamlines the process by creating a single, efficient review system, reducing redundancy, supporting the timber industry, and accelerating wildfire mitigation.

“We thank Assemblymember Ward for his leadership on this bill,” said John Anderson, Director of Forest Policy for the bill’s sponsor, Humboldt and Mendocino Redwood Companies. “For decades the review of forest management permits has been duplicative with multiple approval dates. This delays valuable forest management projects and discourages landowners from conducting wildfire fuel reduction projects. This bill will coordinate the approval of permits and aid the state in reducing fuels on 500,000 acres annually.”