Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed new legislation that will provide more than $170 million in state funding to help prevent wildfires while signing an order aimed at speeding up the work by easing environmental permitting. The funding — which the Democratic governor said was part of a broader effort to better protect communities ahead of peak fire season — comes as the state is under extraordinary pressure after the January infernos that devastated Los Angeles communities…. Authorized as part of a fast-tracked, early action budget bill approved by the Legislature, the funds will be paid to six conservancies throughout California. The agencies, which operate under the governor’s Resources Agency, will manage the removal of vegetation and thinning of forests within their regions.

Other wildfire prevention news:

• Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom: News release: Governor Newsom signs legislation investing additional $170 million to prevent catastrophic wildfires, issues executive order to fast-track projects
• Capital Radio (Sacramento, Calif.): Lawmakers expedite over $170 million in fire prevention funds
• Tahoe Daily Tribune (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.): Western senators introduce bipartisan ‘Fix Our Forests Act’ to combat wildfires
• South Tahoe Now (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.): Prescribed fire operations continue this week in South Lake Tahoe