All posts in After: Disaster Recovery
Food Safety in Disaster or Emergency
Another resource with information about keeping food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as floods, fires, natural disasters, or the loss of power.
Wildfire Ash: Impacts on Forage Crops
A report from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources with findings from a study on the impacts of wildfire ash deposition on crops grazed or harvested for livestock feed.
Wildfire Retardant Impacts to Organic Certification
In this episode of ‘Sustainability Now!’ host Ronnie Lipschutz and guests Amber Schat and David Obermiller discuss farmers facing the loss of organic certification due to climate-related disasters and wildfires.
Webinar: Post-Fire Remediation and Watershed Defense
From CoRenewal, this webinar features Taylor Bright and Matthew Trumm, who will explain the how, what and why of proposed bioremediation approaches, and lessons learned during post-fire wattle biofiltration installations after the 2018 Camp Fire.
Episode 2: Wild Oat Hollow Penngrove, CA
In this episode, Sarah Keiser of Wild Oat Hollow in Penngrove, CA describes her entry into ranching and how her love of the land positioned her to become a leader in developing and supporting community grazing cooperatives. Join us as
New Podcast Season: Farmer Stories of Wildfire Recovery & Preparedness
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program provides specialized recovery and preparedness resources for small farms and communities in California impacted by wildfire and those seeking to prepare against future threats. One of the best mediums for conducting this type of outreach and
Episode 1: Turkey Tail Farm – Yankee Hill
In this episode we visit Cheetah Tchudi at his diversified operation in Yankee Hill, Butte County, CA. Cheetah shares his experience surviving the 2018 Paradise wildfire, and some methods for recovery; addressing toxic ash using fungi to capture and and
How to Establish an Ag/Livestock Pass Program from UC ANR
A detailed description of how to establish a county-based program that grants agriculturalists special access to their farms or ranches during disaster.
Webinar: Small Farms Disaster Insurance Part 1
From Farmer Campus, this webinar provides an overview of insurance for small farms, including how insurance works and what to buy.
Wildfire Recovery: The Nuts And Bolts Of Resilience With TurkeyTail Farm
Farmers Cheetah and Samantha run TurkeyTail Farm in Yankee Hill, California. During the Camp Fire in Butte County, they were evacuated for 28 days and lost everything but their livestock to severe fire damage, In this two-part blog series, the farmers share
5 Key Wildfire Resilience Practices
It’s not always obvious that some of the ecological farming practices used frequently by farmers, also provide wildfire protection and recovery benefits. Check out the infographic below which was developed by our cross team at CAFF to learn more! Click
Food Safety & Wildfires Case Study: Brisa Ranch
Key Details: Location: San Francisco bay area , near Pescadero Acres in Production: 16 Main Crops: Fruit, vegetables, flowers Wildfire: CZU Complex in 2020 3rd Party Audit(s): USDA Harmonized GAP Certified Organic by National Organic Program: Yes Owners: Cristóbal, Cole,
Natural Product Phenolic Diglycosides Created from Wildfires, Defining Their Impact on California and Oregon Grapes and Wines
This study presents some of the first quantitative measurements of PDs bioaccumulated in premium California and Oregon grapes and wines due to wildfire smoke. Strategies of bioanalytics, oenology, and focused collections of grapes from vineyards exposed to varying smoke were
Financial Recovery And Support After A Wildfire
In this two part photo blog series, Farmer Campus talked with farm manager David Cooper to hear his wildfire story and get a glimpse into the realities of farming with wildfire and how to recover.
Climate Intervention with Biochar
A White Paper about Biochar and Energy (BC&E) for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Emission Reduction (ER).
An Overview of Fire Effects on Soil
Fires in forests and rangelands produce some of the most profound impacts on ecosystems of the Southwest. Wildfires and prescribed fires affect the vegetation, soils, wildlife, and water resources of watersheds. They impose a wide range of effects depending on
Sonoma Biochar Project
Biochar is a specialized form of charcoal that is produced by heating biomass using high heat (typically 350 C to 1000 C) in low-oxygen environments, and that is suitable for use in agriculture. It is commonly used as a soil
Sisikyou Livestock Pass Program
The Siskiyou County University of California Cooperative Extension (“UCCE”) and the Siskiyou County Agricultural Department have established a program, through the issuance of a Livestock Access Pass, which may permit commercial livestock operators to gain entrance to evacuation zones or
Counting the Losses: Tallying the True Costs of Wildfire for Farmers
In this two part photo blog series, Farmer Campus talked with farm manager David Cooper to hear his wildfire story and get a glimpse into the realities of farming with wildfire and how to recover.
Fire Recovery Assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has multiple agencies that provide financial and/or technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers and rural landowners recover from natural disasters, such as wildfires. Listed are USDA agencies and an overview of applicable programs. Funding for
Service Providers for Small Farmers – Crowd Sourced
From Farmer Campus, this crowd sourced spreadsheet contains recommendations for farmers to obtain support and connect with agents around disaster and crop insurance, as well as bookkeepers, CPAs, and attorneys.
Rescue Small Farms, California!
Irrigation pipes beside a fallow field that last year overflowed with vegetables for a local CSA. Photo by Kelsey Joy Murphey Farming has always been a risky business, but here in California, 2021 is proving to be another beast altogether.
Mycoremediation in the Wake of the “Camp” Fire
This video outlines some of the concepts and research of fungal bioremediation and the potential to address fire-borne toxins. Topics covered are the types of environmental pollutants that are generated in forest fires and urban firestorms, how and which fungi
USDA Disaster Assistance Programs At a Glance
A quick summary of all of FSA (Farm Service Agency) disaster programs and a guide that shows what type of disasters they cover.
Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool
Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.
Protecting Outdoor Workers Exposed to Smoke from Wildfires
Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health, especially those working outdoors. We know our family famers want to keep their crews safe and healthy. Learn more here and please take all necessary precautions for
Food Safety After a Disaster
A comprehensive website from UC Davis featuring many post-disaster resources exploring food safety for producers and consumers alike.
Insurance Post-Declared Disaster
If you are a property owner and your property is located in an area designated as a disaster by the President of the United States or the Governor, and you cannot locate the insurance policy for the property and are
Burned Oaks: Which Will Survive?
Each year fires burn thousands of acres where the predominant vegetation is oak tress and grass. Where fires burn intensely, trees can be totally consumed. In other places, leaves on trees can be scorched, but the trees remain standing. Where
Seeding After a Fire
After a fire many trees are weakened from burning around the base of the trunk. The trees can fall over or blow down without warning. Shallow-rooted trees can also fall. Therefore be extremely alert when around burned trees.
To Graze or Not To Graze
Determining when to graze livestock after a fire can be a controversial and sometimes difficult decision. Much of the post-fire consideration depends upon site characteristics (percent slope, soil type), plants that grew in the area burned, and intensity of the
Smoky Character in Wines
Smoke flavors in grapes and wine were a concern in the 2008 growing season following the Mendocino Lightning Fires of June 20-July 20. Most research has been done in Australia during the past decade. These are articles that you may want
Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
Power Outages, Floods & Fire. Keep an appliance thermometer in both the refrigerator and freezer. Make sure the refrigerator temperature is at 40 °F or below and the freezer is at 0 °F or below. Group foods together in both
Coping with Disaster
This page offers disaster survivors information regarding dealing with the emotional effects of the event. Below you will find guidance on recognizing the signs of and minimizing the impact of disaster-caused stress. Please remember that reactions and risk response to disasters
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
This booklet offers parents, caregivers, and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster, as well as how to be prepared before a disaster strikes.
Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property,
After the Fires: Hydrophobic Soils
Fire is a natural and important environmental factor that has affected virtually all western U.S. forests at one time or another. However, there are situations where fire can be catastrophic. Aside from property and aesthetic loss, this can include situations
Recovering from Wildfire, Healing the Land
There’s a human impulse to rebuild, to resume life as it was. In nature, there is the cycle of regeneration that comes after a fire. While our instinct tells us to help and our hearts are in the right place,
FEMA: Disaster Assistance
If you are a disaster survivor, you may qualify for federal assistance. This site helps to identify services during a disaster and apply for federal disaster assistance immediately after a disaster.
Office of Recovery and Resiliency
Sonoma County was har hit by recent fires however they have become a model for resilience and innovation. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors have approved the “Recovery and Resiliency Framework” to serve as a vision and approach for how
Tips for Handling Food Following a Disaster
If any type of unexpected emergency strikes your community, you may not have access to fresh food, water or electricity for days, maybe weeks. This web page is a portal site that will provide you with useful information so you
Fires and Food Safety, USDA
Fire! Few words can strike such terror. Residential fires are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Some 2 million American homes go up in flames yearly. In the aftermath of fire, people are left to salvage their lives and belongings. Whether it’s
Produce Safety after Wildfire
The fires that spread through Northern California in October 2017 burned over 160,000 acres of wildland, suburban, urban and industrial areas, creating dangerous air quality conditions for the region that lasted long beyond the fires themselves. The wildfire smoke likely
When Wildfire Hits the Ranch: Lessons Learned
Just as quickly as the Thomas Fire swept through parts of our community, the questions started flooding my office: Should we prune our burned avocado trees? Can I graze my cattle on burned pastures, and if not, how can I
Wildfires, Smoke & Livestock
Severe wildfires expose humans and animals to injuries both from burns and inhalation of unhealthy air containing smoke and particulates. These particulates can build up in the respiratory system, causing a number of health problems including burning eyes, runny noses
Post-Fire Disaster Publications, USDA
Contour Sandbags, Dikes, Diversion, Erosion Control Mats, Hand Raking, Hazard Tree Removal, Hillside Home, Drainage, Hydromulching, Log Erosion Barriers, Sandbag Barrier, Seeding.
Post Fire Restoration: Dos & Don’ts
While it’s difficult to stand by and “do nothing” it’s important that we do the right things post fire. This tip sheet, especially the Don’ts section, provides invaluable guidance on post fire land management from brush removal, drainage, erosion control,
After the Burn: Managing Forestland After a Wildfire
A comprehensive guide for managing your forestland after a burn, including an assessment tool, emergency rehabilitation, and post fire management practices.
NRCS Disaster Recovery Assistance
From floods to drought, fire or hurricanes, NRCS provides disaster recovery assistance to farmers, ranchers, landowners and communities through a variety of USDA programs. If you are an agricultural producer affected by a disaster, please contact your local USDA service center for
NRCS Catastrophic Fire Recovery Initiative
The purpose of the Catastrophic Fire Recovery Initiative, offered by NRCS, is to provide immediate resource protection in areas burned by catastrophic fires. Priority resource concerns include immediate soil erosion protection, minimize noxious and invasive plant proliferation, protect water quality,
Navigating Disaster Assistance for Farmers
Assistance from federal programs can make a world of difference for farmers after a disaster. The next few pages outline current disaster programs, all of which are available to farmers. Be sure to check with the appropriate agency for any
USDA Post-Fire Disaster Assistance Directory by County
Wildfires, especially those caused by human activity, can take a tragic toll on the people and landscape affected. In California the wildfire season is typically followed by the rainy season presenting hazards such as flooding, erosion and more to the
Livestock Forage Disaster Program
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who have covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage crop acreage (native and improved pasture land with permanent vegetative cover) that has
Livestock Indemnity Program
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to provide benefits to eligible livestock owners or contract growers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or reduced sale prices for owned livestock due to injury caused by eligible loss conditions. Eligible loss
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees & Farm-Raised Fish Program
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish. It covers losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition, including blizzards, disease (including cattle
Tree Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines lost by natural disasters. Eligible trees, bushes, and vines are those from which an annual crop is produced for commercial purposes.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.
Emergency Conservation Program
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) helps farmers and ranchers to repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters and to help put in place methods for water conservation during severe drought. The ECP does this by giving ranchers and farmers
FSA Emergency Farm Loans
When a tornado, flood, or drought strikes, or a quarantine is imposed by the Secretary of Agriculture, or when other natural disasters occur, FSA’s Emergency loan program is there to help eligible farmers and ranchers rebuild and recover from sustained
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
The Network connects and supports people and communities who are striving to live more safely with wildfire, a catalyst for spreading best practices and innovations in fire adaptation concepts nationwide. The purpose of FAC Net is to exchange information, collaborate
Video: Waterways on Fire Damaged Landscapes
Steep burned hillsides can be unstable in heavy rains, increasing the risk of landsides. To avoid this outcome, use wattles as described above to keep soil from moving downhill and entering storm drains, culverts and creeks. Other tips for keeping
How to Recover Fire Damaged Grapevines
Fire-damaged crops must be tended to carefully and consistently, or you risk losing them altogether. This is especially true for very sensitive crops like grapevines. The recovery process for a fire-damaged grapevine should begin as soon as possible after the