The trail work recently completed in March on the Glendora Ridge Motorway capped a years-long, sustained effort to reduce fuel and enhance fire resiliency in this fire-prone region. This comprehensive initiative, spearheaded by the Forest Resiliency and Youth Engagement Program (FRYE) in partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC), has included significant projects such as improving fire resiliency in the Coldbrook Campground and the Valley of the Moon.
The trail work along the motorway focused on critical fuel reduction, including clearing brush, removing dead and hazardous vegetation, and creating defensible space. This strategic work mitigates wildfire risks, protecting surrounding communities and preserving the natural ecosystem. The reduced fuel load is a vital firebreak, slowing potential fire spread and improving firefighter access.
To date, SGVCC has successfully treated 88 acres across three key project sites in the Angeles National Forest: Coldbrook Campgrounds, Valley of the Moon, and Glendora Ridge Motorway.
With support from CALFIRE and funding from the California Climate Investments program, SGVCC provided 5,446 hours of paid training to young adults ages 18–26, along with 2,006 hours of dedicated crew supervisor guidance. In total, 90 youth participated in SGVCC’s Forest Resiliency and Youth Engagement program, gaining valuable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship while playing a direct role in wildfire prevention and enhancing forest health across the region.
Beyond the vital fuel reduction, the FRYE program offers multifaceted benefits. In addition to workforce development and youth engagement, the program actively engages in public education. This includes community presentations and educational hikes, such as the popular hike to the Coldbrook Campground Overlook Trail. These outreach efforts aim to raise public awareness about wildfire prevention and the importance of forest management.
Funding for this project is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Prevention Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program. The SGVCC Forest Resiliency and Youth Engagement Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also incentivizes industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefit residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.
The collaborative efforts of the FRYE program and the SGVCC, supported by California Climate Investments, demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection and youth empowerment and are a testament to the positive impact of strategic, community-driven conservation initiatives.
About the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC):
SGVCC empowers San Gabriel Valley youth with academic, vocational, and leadership skills through employment opportunities that improve communities and the environment. The program fosters teamwork, discipline, and responsibility, equipping participants for success. Adult leaders mentor youth in restoring local areas. Learn more at www.sgvcorps.org.
About Active San Gabriel Valley (ActiveSGV):
Active San Gabriel Valley (ActiveSGV) is a community-based organization committed to realizing a more sustainable, equitable San Gabriel Valley. ActiveSGV offers a wide array of sustainability programming, including open streets events, GoSGV E-Bike Share, free yoga classes, healthy nutrition education, and green streets advocacy.
