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

The $4.25 million RESTORE Program supports the recovery of parks, trails, and open spaces damaged by the January 2025 wildfires through targeted grants that promote community healing, wildfire resilience, and equitable access to nature.

2 minute read

April 14, 2025, 8:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Aerial view of green park with purple blooming jacaranda trees in Pasadena, California.

Marcus Jones / Adobe Stock

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.

Thursday, April 10, 2025 in Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up of pug dog sitting on woman's lap on city bus.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy

A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

3 hours ago - The Urbanist

Modular home being lifted with crane.

Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing

The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.

4 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Two people on Nashville BCycle bike share wearing helmets loking out over railing at downtown skyline.

Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding

The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.

5 hours ago - WKRN

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)