PREAMBLE
The Inland Empire’s mountain headwaters are the source of life for Southern California’s communities and natural systems shaping landscapes, sustaining biodiversity, and supplying water for millions These landscapes are ecologically vital, increasingly vulnerable, and home to communities who have long depended on their health and abundance They have long been shaped by both natural processes and human care, including the traditional stewardship of Indigenous peoples whose relationship with these lands continues Intentional stewardship of this region remains vital to what lies ahead
Catastrophic wildfire, environmental challenges, and fragmented management have placed growing strain on these systems. What once functioned as fireadapted, resilient landscapes now face more frequent disturbances, pushing ecological and human communities to the edge Impacts are not evenly felt—frontline communities bear a disproportionate burden from underinvestment in resilience
While previous efforts have aimed to restore landscapes and reduce risk, the scale and complexity of mounting challenges demand more: alignment across jurisdictions, integration of community and ecological priorities, and sustained capacity to move projects from vision to impact. Too often, work happens in isolation without the coordination, continuity, or efficiency to meet the moment.
The Headwaters Resiliency Partnership (HRP) was formed from a shared truth: no agency, organization, or jurisdiction can meet this moment alone Protecting and restoring the region requires a foundation of shared stewardship, with deep respect for traditional and local knowledge, and inclusive collaboration. The HRP brings
together organizations, agencies and nonprofits to align resources, strategies, and values for greater collective impact.
This Charter lays out how the HRP works not only to coordinate efforts and build capacity, but to cultivate trust, transparency, and long-term vision It’s shaped by the understanding that resilience is built through relationships; that fire, water, and land must be understood through both science and tradition; and that coordination alone doesn’t create change commitment does.
We know we can’t do everything at once. But together, we can prioritize what matters most reducing catastrophic wildfire risk, restoring vital habitats, investing in community capacity. This work is urgent, generational, and relational.
The partners who sign this Charter do so not as a formality, but as a living commitment to the headwaters, communities, and ecosystems we serve— now and into the future.
As a regional partnership rooted in shared stewardship, strengthen the health of Southern California’s vital landscapes, waters and communities. we work collaboratively to
Introduction
The Headwaters Resiliency Partnership (HRP) is a regional collaborative rooted in shared stewardship, dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the resilience of watersheds, natural resources, ecosystems, and communities across the Inland Empire mountains and foothills By bringing together diverse partners including Tribes, public agencies, nonprofits, and community-based organizations HRP provides a unified platform to coordinate action on shared environmental challenges.
As a guiding document, this charter outlines HRP’s governance, structure, and operational framework It fosters alignment around a shared mission, strengthens commitment through collaborative processes, and reinforces mutual accountability. By emphasizing open communication, resource sharing, and equitable participation, HRP empowers partners to work across boundaries and jurisdictions to deliver meaningful and lasting impact
Drinking water for:
20 Million people
3 mtn
+1,500
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Purpose
The HRP exists to address the critical challenges facing the Inland Empire mountains and foothills, including the increasing threats posed by wildfires and other shared environmental challenges, as well as their cascading impacts on watersheds, natural resources, and communities. The HRP was established to bolster regional coordination and build the capacity needed to effectively address these interconnected issues While the partnership primarily coordinates efforts and leverages funding opportunities, HRP may take on implementation roles when appropriate, particularly when it aligns with partner needs or funding opportunities.
By establishing a shared framework for collaboration, the partnership enables coordinated efforts to implement projects that enhance resilience and sustainability. Through clearly defined governance, structure, and operational priorities, it fosters alignment, cooperation, and accountability among partners —guiding mission-driven work that is evidencebased, inclusive, and actionable.
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Mission, Values & Visi
MISSION
To collaboratively implement projects across boundaries to support and sustain resilient watersheds, natural resources, ecosystems, and communities on a landscape scale in the Inland Empire mountains and foothills.
adaptive
collaborative
We work inclusively across boundaries.
We are problem-solvers, responsive to changing conditions and innovative approaches driven
trustworthy
We earn and maintain respect from collaborators, landowners, land managers, and communities
We are passionate and committed leaders inclusive
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We develop ef efficient solutio real-world pr
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We are passionate and committed leadersrespect and value diverse voices and experiences
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VISION
Our vision is an Inland Empire mountains and foothills region where partner expertise and resources are leveraged through shared stewardship and aligned with regional priorities to improve the health and resilience of our watersheds, natural resources, ecosystems, and communities.