Summary
The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians’ Forestry Department applied traditional ecological knowledge to reduce fuels and restore forest health in overgrown areas of the Tribe’s Mission Reserve, which is situated adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest. This work strengthened the capacity of their Forestry Crew and will sustain workforce development for the Tribe’s continued fuels reduction and conservation treatment efforts for habitat restoration on the Reserve. The project directly benefits the management strategies of Cleveland National Forest and helps increase the wildfire resilience of both the Forest and the natural and human communities that surround it.
Project Impact
The Climate Science Alliance has had the honor of partnering with the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians for 5 years. In 2025, we supported their efforts with a Giving Cycle organization grant where we saw incredible impact.
Working together and in community, we are...
Restoring habitats
The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians is making measurable progress in landscape resilience through strategic fuels reduction and habitat restoration. Their Forestry Crew has successfully reduced fuels and restored 45+ acres, creating healthier ecosystems that are more resilient to wildfire and climate impacts.
Sustaining cultural and ecological knowledge
Because this hands-on restoration work is led with community access in mind, 330+ community members have the opportunity to visit the project sites and gain knowledge and skills in cultural and ecological stewardship.
Protecting water, land, and wildlife
By convening 20 partners leading co-stewardship efforts across the region, the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians has built a robust coalition of partners dedicated to protecting water, land, and wildlife.
Inspiring the next generation of stewards
Their collaborative, community-centered approach demonstrates how Tribes can lead transformational climate solutions that strengthen both ecological systems and the communities they sustain.
Area of Impact
Funding Partner
Through our Giving Program, the Climate Science Alliance directly funds locally-led climate projects and leverages our own expertise and capacity to amplify the community’s impact—helping awardees every step of the way, in whatever way they need us.