Green Ridge/Mescal Ridge Fuel Break - Green Ridge Extension

Green Ridge/Mescal Ridge Fuel Break - Green Ridge Extension

Project will reduce fuel loading on 90 acres along 7.46 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 Palo Colorado. The project includes fuel modification along paved and native surface roads in the community and on the ridgelines. The fuel break will be approx. 100 feet wide. The project will reduce woody vegetation less than 12" DBH. 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%. 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. 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 to control weed invasion. This is an extension of the Green Ridge/Mescal Ridge Fuel Break.

Monterey