RESILIENT DUNSMUIR PLAN

Dunsmuir is updating its General Plan Safety Element to create a comprehensive resilience strategy for our community.

What is the Resilient Dunsmuir Plan?

The City of Dunsmuir is updating its General Plan Safety Element to create the Resilient Dunsmuir Plan. This integrated approach combines the City's Safety Element with the recently adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Annex for Dunsmuir, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which is currently being updated, and a new Environmental Justice Element.

The Resilient Dunsmuir Plan will address natural hazards, climate adaptation, environmental justice, and community resilience to ensure equitable protection and preparedness for all residents.

This update fulfills California state requirements under SB 379 (climate adaptation), SB 1000 (environmental justice), and other recent legislation, positioning Dunsmuir to better prepare for and respond to wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards.

What is Included in the Resilient Dunsmuir Plan?

The Resilient Dunsmuir Plan integrates the following four key planning components:

Safety Element Update

The Safety Element is a required component of the City's General Plan that identifies natural and human-caused hazards and establishes policies to protect the community. This update will address:

·       Wildfire risk and prevention

·       Flooding and geologic hazards

·       Climate change vulnerability and adaptation strategies

·       Emergency preparedness and evacuation planning

·       Seismic safety

·       Hazardous material 

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Annex

The City recently approved Resolution 2025-10 to adopt the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex on May 15, 2025. This plan identifies specific hazards facing Dunsmuir and outlines mitigation strategies to reduce risk and enhance community resilience. The LHMP Annex addresses hazards including:

·       Wildfires

·       Floods

·       Severe weather

·       Earthquakes

·       Landslides

[Link to adopted LHMP Annex - PDF]

Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

The CWPP focuses specifically on wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response. This plan is currently being updated to reflect current conditions, fire risk assessments, and best practices for wildfire mitigation.

Status: Update in progress

[Link to current CWPP - PDF]

Environmental Justice Element

The Environmental Justice Element is being prepared as a required component under California law (SB 1000). This element will ensure that all community members, particularly disadvantaged populations, have equitable access to safety resources, emergency services, and climate resilience measures. It will address:

  • Equitable distribution of public facilities and services

  • Reduction of pollution exposure and health risks

  • Meaningful civic engagement and community input

  • Prioritization of improvements and investments in disadvantaged communities

  • Access to healthy food, safe housing, and clean air and water

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Community input is essential to the success of the Resilient Dunsmuir Plan. The City has held two workshops and several online surveys to gather feedback and ideas from residents.

Completed Workshops/Surveys

Upcoming Workshop

Environmental Justice Element Workshop

Date: To Be Determined Time: TBD Location/Format: TBD

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. We encourage all community members to participate and share their perspectives.

What We've Heard From the Community

Community input is shaping the Resilient Dunsmuir Plan. Through our workshops and surveys conducted between November 2024 and August 2025, residents have shared their priorities and concerns for community safety and resilience.

Key Findings from Community Engagement:

 At our first stakeholder meeting and through subsequent workshops and surveys, participants identified the following:

Top Hazard Concerns:

  • Wildfire risk and prevention

  • Flooding and severe weather

  • Earthquake preparedness

  • Climate change impacts

Emergency Preparedness Priorities:

  • Clear evacuation routes and planning

  • Reliable emergency communication systems

  • Community shelter locations and resources

  • Support for vulnerable populations during emergencies

Environmental Justice Priorities:

  • Equitable access to emergency services across all neighborhoods

  • Resources and support for elderly, low-income, and disabled residents

  • Language accessibility for emergency information

  • Community involvement in planning decisions

Community Strengths:

  • Strong neighborhood networks and mutual aid

  • Committed volunteers and local organizations

  • Deep local knowledge of hazards and resources

  • Active participation in community meetings

Survey Results & Workshop Materials (Coming Soon):

[Link to Survey Results Summary - PDF] [Link to February 11, 2025 Stakeholder Meeting Summary - PDF] [Link to March 2025 Workshop #1 Materials - PDF] [Link to August 2025 Workshop #2 Materials - PDF]

Environmental Justice Workshop Photos (Coming Soon)

[Photo: workshop-participants.jpg] [Photo: community-discussion.jpg] [Photo: group-activity.jpg] [Photo: presentation-moment.jpg] [Photo: attendees-engaged.jpg]

Tentative Photos (to be determined):

  • Community members participating in the Environmental Justice Workshop

  • Residents sharing ideas during group discussion

  • Workshop participants working on community priorities

  • Presentation on environmental justice and community resilience

  • Engaged attendees at the Environmental Justice Workshop

PROJECT TIMELINE (Tentative)

(coming soon)

Why is This Important?

The Resilient Dunsmuir Plan will:

  • Enhance Community Safety – Identify and reduce risks from wildfires, floods, and other hazards

  • Prepare for Climate Change – Develop strategies to adapt to changing climate conditions

  • Promote Environmental Justice – Ensure all residents have equal access to safety resources and healthy environments

  • Coordinate Planning Efforts – Integrate multiple planning documents into one cohesive strategy

  • Secure Funding – Position the City to access state and federal grants for hazard mitigation and resilience projects

  • Meet State Requirements – Comply with California's updated planning laws and regulations

 Documents & Resources

[Draft Safety Element - PDF]

[Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex - PDF]

[Community Wildfire Protection Plan - PDF]

[Environmental Justice Element - Draft - PDF]

[Workshop Presentations & Materials]

[Public Comment Form]

[Frequently Asked Questions - PDF]

RELATED PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Dunsmuir Firewise / Fire Safe Committee: Monthly meetings on wildfire preparedness and community fire safety

Emergency Preparedness: Resources and information for residents

Planning Department: General Plan documents and planning projects

Cal OES’s My Hazards Tool: Interactive map showing hazards in your area

Ready for Wildfire: Wildfire preparedness resources

GET INVOLVED

Your input matters! Here's how you can participate:

  • Attend upcoming workshops and public meetings

  • Submit written comments on draft documents during public review periods

  • Complete community surveys when available

  • Share your experiences and ideas about community safety and resilience

  • Join the Dunsmuir Firewise / Fire Safe Committee

CONTACT

For more information about the Resilient Dunsmuir Plan or to provide feedback, please contact:

City of Dunsmuir

Laura Hall, Resilience Planner

5902 Dunsmuir Avenue Dunsmuir, CA 96025

Phone: 530-239-1040

Email: laura@dunsmuirca.gov

OR

Blake Michaelsen, Interim City Manager

Address: 5902 Dunsmuir Avenue Dunsmuir, CA 96025

Phone: 530-235-4822

Email: bmichaelsen@dunsmuirca.gov

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.