Green Ridge/Mescal Ridge Fuel Break - Long Ride Extension

Green Ridge/Mescal Ridge Fuel Break - Long Ride Extension

Project will reduce fuel loading on 432 acres along 3.8 miles of roads in Palo Colorado, Monterey County; the northernmost community in the greater Big Sur area. In addition, portions of the project area are used as access for fire suppression and emergency egress for the residents of South Coast. The project includes fuel modification along paved and native surface roads in the community and on the ridgelines. The project will reduce woody vegetation less than 12" DBH within 10 feet of a road; the vegetation is primarily chamise, with some manzanita and planted Monterey pine near ridgelines, and oaks generally in draws on north facing aspects. Vegetation will be reduced by approx. 60% within up to 100 feet of a road. Dead, diseased, and dying trees that may impact a road or structure will be removed. All remaining trees near a road will be pruned up to 16 feet or 50% of the live crown (whichever is less) within 100 feet of a road. This will open emergency ingress/egress in the event of an emergency as well as create defensible space for potential fires. The vegetation will be reduced by a combination of hand crews and mechanical means. The hand crews will use chainsaws; the resulting material shall be chipped and used as mulch on the property. The mechanical treatment area will be masticated, with the mulch left on site for soil protection and to control weed invasion. This is an extension of the Green Ridge/Mescal Ridge Fuel Break.

Monterey