Los Angeles County Invests in Wildfire Recovery for Parks, Trails, and Open Space

In response to the widespread destruction caused by the January 2025 wildfires, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has launched the $4.25 million RESTORE Program to aid in rebuilding public parks, trails, and open spaces across Los Angeles County. Known formally as Recovery and Emergency Support for Trails, Open Space, and Recreation, the program offers non-competitive grants to cities, public agencies, and nonprofit landowners to help restore damaged recreational infrastructure, reforest burned areas, and improve wildfire resilience. Funding also supports planning and technical assistance to prepare jurisdictions for future Measure A opportunities.

RESTORE specifically focuses on areas most affected by the fires, including the Cities of Los Angeles, Malibu, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and regional partners like the County of Los Angeles and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. The program includes $3 million in direct allocations based on fire impact, $1 million in partnership grants with nonprofits or Conservation Corps, and $250,000 for nonprofit landowners maintaining publicly accessible lands. RPOSD has designed the application process to be simple, responsive, and community-oriented, ensuring support reaches those in need efficiently.

RPOSD recognizes that parks and trails are more than just amenities — they are places for community healing, connection, and climate resilience. RESTORE grants will help not only repair what was lost but invest in a stronger, greener future. The program exemplifies RPOSD’s broader mission to ensure equitable access to parks and nature while fostering recovery and resilience in the face of climate-driven disasters.