Mountainous regions provide most of the state’s water supply. But major problems loom—from a growing risk of wildfires to a shrinking snowpack. This brief outlines ways California and the federal government—the largest landowner in headwater areas—could address critical problems in these areas.
This publication is part of a briefing kit that summarizes 13 of the state’s most pressing water management issues.
Topics
Drought Forests and Fires Paying for Water Water Supply Water, Land & AirLearn More
Report · May 2026
Tracking Headwaters Management for Wildfire Resilience in California
Blog Post · April 2, 2025
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution to California’s Wildfire Challenges
Fact Sheet · March 2025
Headwaters and Wildfire in California
Report · April 2020
The Benefits of Headwater Forest Management
Blog Post · January 27, 2020
Governor’s Budget Addresses Growing Wildfire Risks
Blog Post · October 14, 2019
New Laws Help Prepare Communities for Wildfire
Video · February 20, 2019
Headwaters
Blog Post · July 23, 2018
How Wildfires Affect California’s Water Supply
Report · September 2017
Improving the Health of California’s Headwater Forests
Blog Post · May 30, 2017
How Unhealthy Forests Affect Water Supply
Blog Post · October 16, 2017
Commentary: California’s Forests are Dying—They Need Better Care
