Burney-Hat Creek Community Forest and Watershed Group (BHCCFWG)

Place-Based Collaborative

About

The Burney Hat Creek Community Forest and Watershed Group (BHCCFWG) is a community-driven collaboration focused on creating a sustainable future for the landscapes and communities in Burney, Johnson Park, Hat Creek, Cassel, and Old Station. Established in 2009, BHCCFWG unites local citizens, businesses, organizations, government entities, and landowners to address environmental, social, and economic challenges in the Burney and Hat Creek watersheds. BHCCFWG was formed after discussions in the Shasta Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) in 2008, which recognized the need for faster and more coordinated environmental project implementation. In 2009, the Fall River Resource Conservation District (RCD) worked with the RAC to launch BHCCFWG as a formal organization for ecological restoration.

What We Do

BHCCFWG’s main goals include creating fire-resilient forests, restoring watersheds, protecting cultural resources, and boosting local economic stability.

BHCCFWG’s mission includes reducing wildfire risks, supporting job creation, restoring wildlife habitats and watersheds, protecting cultural sites, and improving recreational opportunities while maintaining ecological integrity. The group’s work spans 364,250 acres, comprising public, private, and Tribal lands. 

The group holds bimonthly meetings with partners like the Fall River RCD, U.S. Forest Service, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and others, such as the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Pit River Tribe, Cal Fire, and Sierra Pacific Industries.

 

Sierra Institute’s Role

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment has supported BHCCFWG since its founding by providing facilitation services, improving decision-making, and aiding strategic planning.  

Additional Resources

Join our mailing list

We’re hard at work in our local forests and communities and we’re excited to share important updates with you via our monthly newsletter. Thank you for your interest in our work and being part of our community!

Let’s work together

Let’s work together. Whether you’re part of a community, an organization, or a funding entity —your involvement matters. Join us in building a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future for rural & urban communities and the landscapes we all cherish.