The Town of Paradise Category 4 Tree Removal Program was created to address the thousands of hazardous trees left standing after the 2018 Camp Fire. While earlier efforts focused on public rights of way, many dangerous trees remained on private property, posing risks to homes, driveways, and private roads used for evacuation routes. With funding provided through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which covered 75 percent of the costs, and a matching grant from CAL FIRE’s California Climate Investments program, the Town of Paradise launched this initiative to ensure community safety and recovery. The Butte County Fire Safe Council was contracted to manage and implement the program, overseeing parcel assessments, environmental and cultural surveys, and contractor coordination and tree removal operations.
During the first phase, nearly 12,000 hazard trees were identified across more than 500 parcels. In the second phase, which began in June 2025, and was completed in November 2025, work was carried out across 339 parcels, resulting in a total of 8,566 trees mitigated.
Warner Enterprises was selected as the prime tree removal contractor and partnered with Northfork Enterprises to manage the project. Together, they utilized three local ridge companies, Mike Goggia Tree Service, Crossfire Tree & Vegetation Services, and All Things Trees, to complete the effort. Importantly, three local tribes: Enterprise Rancheria, Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Mooretown Rancheria were essential partners monitoring all tree removal activities, ensuring cultural and environmental protections were upheld throughout the process.
The program focused on eliminating fire damaged or structurally compromised trees, creating defensible space, and reducing fuel loads that could intensify future wildfires. Its impact has been significant: it reduced immediate safety hazards, improved evacuation reliability, and allowed residents to rebuild without the looming danger of unstable trees. Beyond physical recovery, the program strengthened community resilience and demonstrated the power of collaboration between local government, nonprofits, tribal partners, and state and federal agencies in supporting Paradise’s long term recovery.
Download Press Release and PDF: Town-of-Paradise-CAT4-Tree-Removal-Program-PRESS-RELEASE-12.1.25.pdf (11 downloads )
Town of Paradise CAT4 Tree Removal Program - PRESS RELEASE - 12.1.25