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About

Learn more about the ForestScapes mission, our qualifications and process.

About Forestscapes

Our Mission

ForestScapes LLC is Northern California’s premier wildfire prevention and ecological restoration partner. Based in McKinleyville, we combine deep regional expertise with cutting-edge practices to deliver year-round vegetation management and forestry services that protect communities, restore forest health, and reduce wildfire risk.

Unlike traditional logging firms, ForestScapes specializes in pre-commercial thinning, fuels reduction, and prescribed fire, focusing on the under-addressed yet critical vegetation layers that contribute most to catastrophic fire behavior. Our ISA-certified arborists, skilled forestry crew, and heavy equipment fleet ensure we meet the urgent demand for high-efficiency, environmentally responsible forest management.

Backed by years of successful partnerships with federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit entities, ForestScapes delivers unmatched operational flexibility, safety, and commitment to ecological stewardship.

Whether it’s hand-thinning steep slopes, deploying masticators across fuel breaks, or educating the next generation of forest workers, we are the go-to team for comprehensive restoration across Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake counties.

ForestScapes – Resilient Forests. Safer Communities. Local Roots.

Our Team

Who We Are

Joe Snipes, owner of ForestScapes LLC

Joe Snipes, Owner

Born and raised in Crescent City, California, I developed a deep respect for the forest from an early age. Growing up in the woods fostered not just a personal connection to nature but also a lifelong commitment to restoring and protecting it. My professional journey has been shaped by years of hands-on experience in forestry restoration, permaculture, and wildland fire management across Northern California.

As the founder and owner of ForestScapes LLC, I lead a dedicated team focused on forest health, fire prevention, and sustainable land stewardship. I’m an ISA-certified arborist with extensive training in fuels reduction, ecosystem restoration, and defensible space creation. I’ve had the privilege of working with local, state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit partners to protect some of the most fire-prone and ecologically valuable areas in our region.

Outside of work, I’m most at home outdoors with my family, exploring the landscapes I’ve spent my career working to preserve. The North Coast is more than just where I live—it’s my community, my passion, and where I plan to stay for years to come.

Qualifications:

  • California Licensed Contractor (D49 – Tree Service): #1075353 – Verify license
  • International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist: #WE13357A – Verify certification
  • Humboldt County FLASH (Fire Adapted and Safe Homes) inspector
  • Tree Care Industry Association – Certified Tree Care Specialist
  • Resource Advisory Committee for Six Rivers National Forest
  • Industry Cooperator for Six Rivers National Forest
  • FAA Certified Drone Pilot
  • Degree in Forestry & Natural Resources College of the Redwood Eureka, 2017 with Honors
  • Licensed Timber Operator – B013609
  • NWCG Wildland Fire Certifications – I-100, 1-300, S130, S131, S190, S211, S212, S215, S219, S271, S290, S410, L180

Victor Perez, Foreman

At 26 years young, Victor was raised in Orange County along with 4 other siblings. He grew up playing soccer. He enjoys fishing and anything outdoors. He is currently studying to get his arborist certification. He has been a crucial component to the ForestScapes team for 2+ years and hopes to make forestry/wildland fire his career. 

Victor Perez, foreman of ForestScapes LLC

We Will Work to Meet Each Client’s Goals By Identifying:

What the client’s objectives are
How they want to achieve objectives
Possible constraints
Contingency planning
Follow up planning
Contact Us
Available Grants

There are federal, state and local grants that can cover a large portion of your costs. We can assist with applying for and facilitating these grants. Learn more about cost share programs.

Follow Up Planning

We want to encourage that you have a follow up plan that insures your property will be fire safe for years to come.

Capabilities Statement

View or download our Capabilities Statement.

2025 ForestScapes Capabilties StatementDownload