The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has announced $1 million in grants to support restoration, conservation and wildfire prevention efforts in communities affected by recent wildfires.
This Giving Tuesday initiative aims to restore ecosystems and strengthen the resilience of regions recovering from devastating fires. The Tribe’s contributions will provide critical resources to local organizations working on environmental protection, community safety and land management.
“Giving Tuesday is a day that calls us to reflect on the power of collective generosity,” said Lynn Valbuena, president of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “We are honored to support our 2024 grant recipients in their efforts to rehabilitate areas affected by the recent wildfires and invest in the long-term health of our communities and ecosystems. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is deeply committed to the conservation and stewardship of the region’s cultural and natural resources.”
The grants are a timely response to the wildfire crisis that has destroyed homes, displaced wildlife and destroyed natural habitats. They also reflect the tribe’s ongoing commitment to environmental advocacy and community resilience.
In addition to financial support, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians promotes collaboration between organizations and communities to ensure long-term restoration and protection of critical areas.
The tribe’s $1 million in grants will be distributed to eight organizations focused on wildfire recovery, prevention and ecological restoration:
The Wildlands Conservancy: $200,000 to restore Bluff Lake, which was hit hard by the Line Fire, including replanting vegetation and removing invasive species.
Mojave Desert Land Trust: $200,000 to design a comprehensive fire management plan that can be shared with other organizations.
San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust: $100,000 to implement a seed bank for the recovery of native plants and trees after forest fires.
Center for Biological Diversity: $100,000 to build relationships with tribes and lead stewardship projects that protect sacred sites.
Victor Valley College Foundation: $100,000 to support students at the “Fire Fighter I” academy, increasing the number of trained firefighters.
Arrowbear Lake Fire Department: $100,000 to purchase emergency rescue equipment and retrofit the existing fire station.
Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians: $100,000 to purchase emergency rescue equipment.
Apple Valley Fire Protection District: $100,000 to purchase emergency generators for fire stations to ensure uninterrupted operations during crises.
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