The “Tree Army” Legacy: This is Roosevelt’s vision updated for today. We are building the “Tree Army” to save California.

Mental Health & Tourism: Beautiful parks aren’t just for looking at—they are an economic and health necessity for our people.

The State Guard Guardrail: I’m using the State Guard because D.C. can’t touch them. They are California’s own military. Under the California Emergency Services Act (§ 8571), I will declare a “State of Emergency for Fuel Reduction.” This gives me the immediate legal power to suspend any state regulatory statute (like CEQA) that blocks trail maintenance or the construction of fire-access routes. I do not need a vote to start the work; I will use my Executive Order to deploy the Task Force and my Line-Item Veto to redirect nonprofit funding directly to worker payroll.

Directive: I will direct my Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel to draft and amend the following specific sections of the California Public Resources and Military codes for permanent legislative adoption.

Funding Source: This Act is funded by recapturing 100% of state grants currently funneled into “administrative” nonprofits. I am cutting the “Consultant Waste” and putting that money into Local Payroll.

Legal Strategy: My “Hard-Stop” Authority

The Sovereign Shield (32 U.S.C. § 109(c)): I will lead with the California State Guard because they report only to me and cannot be federalized.

The Safety Mandate (PRC § 4291): I will classify trail clearing and new trail construction as mandatory firebreak requirements to protect life and property. Amend Public Resources Code § 4291: The “Fire-Break” Mandate. Rewrite the code to classify all state-maintained trails as “Primary Fire Breaks.” I am mandating that these areas be cleared of all hazardous fuel loads within 20 feet of the trail center.

Add Public Resources Code § 4291.5: The “New Frontier” Trail Initiative
Establish a mandate for the creation of New Strategic Trails (The “Tree Army” Initiative) in high-risk “Blind Spots.” Every new trail must be designed as both a public recreational asset and a Fire Equipment Access Route. Amend Military & Veterans Code § 146 & § 550: The “Local Service” Activation. I am expanding my authority to activate the California State Guard and National Guard specifically for disaster mitigation and new trail engineering. I will designate the California State Guard as the lead agency for local missions. I will mandate that members be deployed within 50 miles of home.

Add Public Resources Code § 14316: The “Student & Parent” Pipeline
I am creating a brand-new section within the CCC (California Conservation Corps) specifically for weekend-only recruits. This force is designed for college students and people to provide a dignified, local weekend job that allows Californians to earn a paycheck while building the state’s future.

Strategic Notes: PRC 4291.5 = New Access/Tourism, MVC § 550 = State Guard Authority, § 8571 = Day 1 Emergency Power