Valley Stewards Initiative The Valley Stewards Initiative supports a long-term, strategic approach to wildfire resilience in Napa County—bridging the gap between landowner mitigation investments and real-time fire response. Across the county, many landowners have already invested significantly in access improvements, water infrastructure, and fuel reduction. Valley Stewards Initiative ensures those investments are verified, mapped, and integrated into operational fire-response systems, so firefighters can locate and leverage them when it matters most.
Why Private Support Matters
Private funding allows Napa Firewise to move faster and more strategically than grant funding alone. Early private investment helped launch the Valley Stewards Initiative, rapidly prove the model, and unlock additional public funding—including a CAL FIRE direct award—accelerating this work across Napa County. The Valley Stewards Fund is the philanthropic arm behind this initiative.
Today, Valley Stewards Fund support is used to:
- Close priority gaps in access, water, and response readiness identified by fire agencies
- Integrate operationally high-value properties into fire response mapping systems
- Engage landowners where mitigation investments can deliver the greatest impact
- Advance data-driven documentation that strengthens long-term wildfire resilience
This work has already demonstrated real-world value—supporting improved situational awareness and response coordination during recent wildfire incidents. The Valley Stewards Fund ensures Napa Firewise can continue implementing this work with discipline, accountability, and measurable progress—year over year.
Interested in a Larger or Multi-Year Commitment?
If you’re considering a multi-year gift or would like to learn more about how a significant investment would be deployed, we welcome a 1:1 conversation.
Please contact Stephanie Smithers at VSF@napafirewise.org.