Gov. Newsom sending model executive order to White House for increased forest management

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION-TV) - Governor Gavin Newsom is urging President Donald Trump to step up the federal government's management of its forestland in the state.

Newsom said this would help California protect its communities from catastrophic wildfires.

According to his office, 57 percent of the forests in California are owned by the federal government, compared to the state's 3 percent.

The governor will be sending a model executive order to the White House.

If signed, it would direct the federal government to increase its forest management capabilities and investments.

"This is serious business. The state has seriously resolved to commit to do more than we have historically and we need to match and see that ambition matched at the federal level. That's the fundamental message that I want to communicate," said Governor Newsom.

Newsom says over the next 4 years, CAL FIRE will hire thousands of additional firefighters and other personnel to meet the state's growing needs.