The Kern County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday accepted the proclamation for a local state of emergency due to tree mortality and fire danger.
Kern County and California have experienced below normal levels of rain since 2011.
It got so bad that the county and state proclaimed a state of emergency in 2014.
To remove dead and dying trees in order to protect wildlife and residents who live in mountain communities.
The lack of rain has created emergency conditions as trees have become stressed and unable to defend against insects and disease.
The county’s mountain areas including the Kern River Valley, Tehachapi, Frazier Park and Pine Mountain have all seen dramatic changes to their trees due to the drought.
Creating unsafe conditions increases the risk of wildfires, poor air quality, while also affecting wildlife.
To see the full resolution, click here.
