Wildfires fueled by hurricane-force winds, like the ones in Los Angeles this past January, are nearly impossible to stop. But the Catalina Island Conservancy works year-round to reduce fire risk through direct action, land stewardship and close collaboration with key partners.

Short-Term Tactics vs. Long-Term Solutions

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. In addition, Conservancy rangers serve as the eyes and ears for the interior of the Island, reporting any fires on the landscape to Los Angeles County Fire.

Among several wildfire prevention efforts in 2024, we:

• Cleared brush from across 700 acres
• Treated over 150 acres of flammable invasive plants
• Improved 350 miles of roads that also serve as firebreaks and provide access for fire crews

These efforts reflect our commitment to wildfire prevention, but as recent disasters have shown, short-term tactics alone aren’t enough. Firebreaks, fire prevention strategies and emergency response planning are critical, but only apply when a fire starts.

Catalina Island needs a long-term plan that tackles the root causes of wildfire risk and helps the Island’s natural environment become stronger and more fire-resistant over time.

That’s why the Conservancy created the Catalina Island Restoration Project.

Over the years, invasive species have disrupted Catalina’s natural systems, replacing native, fire-resistant plants with fast-burning vegetation that increases the risk and intensity of wildfire. The restoration project responds to these changes through native plant restoration, habitat regeneration and targeted species management.

Across the West, we’ve seen that proactive land stewardship leads to stronger, more resilient ecosystems. When natural landscapes are restored and maintained, they are better equipped to withstand fire and recover more quickly.

The restoration project represents a thoughtful and caring response to preserving Catalina’s unique ecosystems, now and for the future.