A healthy forest mingles grasses with shrubs and trees to create an open, diverse habitat that is more resilient to parasites and disease. Stronger, more mature trees absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere more effectively, which eases the effects of climate change, and less dense vegetation reduces the potential of a fast-spreading, destructive wildfire. Learn what a healthy forest looks like
Initiative Overview
The San Mateo County Parks Forest Health & Community Safety Initiative seeks improve forest health primarily in parks that are near private dwellings, also called the wildland urban interface. Most of the work will focus on constructing or improving shaded fuel breaks where small trees under 8 inches in diameter, tall brush and dead or dying vegetation is found along park boundaries, fire roads and residential roads.
The initiative identifies 32 projects totaling 1,830 acres to be competed over five years at an estimated cost of $18,750,000. Brief project descriptions for each of the 32 projects can be found in the 2021-2026 Projects document listed below. A 14-point criteria matrix was used to identify and rank high-threat areas. The details for the ranking process can be found in the Project Ranking Informational Spreadsheet, also listed below. Funding for first-year projects have been secured through San Mateo County’s Measure K and grants.
- Wildfire Fuel Management Program 2021-2026 Projects.pdf
- Fuel Reduction Project Ranking Informational Spreadsheet.xlsx
By evaluating and prioritizing critical projects to mitigate threats to life and property for multiple years, the department will be more effective in allocating staff and financial resources to the full scope of the work, including planning, permitting, treatment and retreatment of areas.
Timeline
- Begins February 2021
- Ends June 2026
Education Opportunities
Forest Health Webinars
We have been holding webinars to explain more about Forest Health projects in San Mateo County Parks and answer your questions. View recordings:
Learn More
Year One Projects
The Department has either secured grant funding to complete these projects or has committed to maintaining these areas as part of previously completed projects.
Huddart Park
Huddart Park Forest Health & Fuel Reduction Project
Re-treatment of Kings Mountain Road Fuel Break
Pillar Point Bluff
Fuel Reduction near Pillar Ridge Complex
Quarry Park
Create and Maintain a Shaded Fuel Break Along Fire Roads in Quarry Park & Mirada East
Maintenance of 2019 Governor’s Emergency Fuels Reduction Project
Wunderlich Park
Wunderlich Park Forest Health & Fuel Reduction Project
San Bruno Mountain Park
Create and Maintain a Shaded Fuel Break from Crocker Entrance and Guadalupe Canyon Parkway – Daly City
Saddle Loop Gorse Removal
Edgewood Park
Create and Maintain a Shaded Fuel Break along the Eastern & Southeastern Boundary