The plan to reduce wildfire risk, protect freshwater and restore native plants.
Operation Protect Catalina Island is a 30-year effort to establish healthy land and water, bring back native plants and balance native species. Together, we can protect the people, livelihoods and wildlife that depend on one of the most unique places on Earth.
This is Catalina Island’s Survival Plan.
Why This Matters Now
The Threat
CAL FIRE designates Catalina Island as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone—its highest risk category. Hotter, drier conditions, invasive grasses and invasive mule deer are turning the Island into a fire-prone landscape. These threats reduce native plants and wildlife, weaken freshwater supplies and increase catastrophic wildfire risk.
🔥The Los Angeles fires in January 2025 showed us what’s at stake.
ACTION PLANS
Healthy Land and Water
The goal is to protect soil and restore healthy water cycles to protect Catalina’s people, communities, wildlands and wildlife.
Protect Land and Water
Bring Back Native Plants
The goal is to restore native plants through seed farming and large-scale seeding to reduce fire risk, support wildlife and build a more resilient Island.
Restore Native Plants
Balance for Native Species
The goal is to break this cycle by managing invasive species, restoring native vegetation and removing deer impacts to give Catalina’s native plants and animals the chance to thrive.
Support Native WildlifeDefending Against Catastrophic Wildfire
The Conservancy works alongside the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Avalon City Fire, Southern California Edison, elected officials, and other agencies to support a safer, more fire-resilient future for Catalina. Conservancy rangers also serve as the Island’s eyes and ears in the wildlands, reporting any fire activity directly to Los Angeles County Fire.
In 2024, our wildfire prevention efforts included:
- Clearing brush from across 700 acres
- Removing flammable invasive plants across more than 150 acres
- Improving miles of roads that double as firebreaks and provide access for fire crews
- Training 11 staff members as wildland firefighters and equipping them with new protective gear
- Lending access to backhoes, bulldozers, water supply tanks and water trucks to support fire crews as needed
These steps make a difference, but they only buy time. Long-term resilience comes from restoring Catalina’s ecosystems so the Island can protect itself naturally.
What’s at Stake
L.A. County’s largest outdoor classroom
Avalon’s limited freshwater sources
1.2 million annual visitors contributing to the local economy
42,000 acres of protected wildlands for future generations
165 miles of trails and roads that double as firefighting access
60+ unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
Community Engagement
Built on Your Feedback
Since January 2024, the Conservancy has gathered community input to shape Operation Protect Catalina Island and address concerns around safety, transparency and reporting.
