COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT:
Camino Alto Fuel Reduction to protect Mill Valley
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Cut vegetation is being piled and burned in the Camino Alto Open Space Preserve near Mill Valley -- approximately 600 piles have been created as a result of treating 35 acres
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"The Mill Valley Fire Department, in partnership with Marin County Parks,
has begun in the Camino Alto Fire Fuel Reduction Project. This multi-year project is aimed at eliminating invasive french broom, pampas grass and acacia in the Camino Alto Open Space Preserve.
The primary benefit of
this project is the removal of highly flammable vegetation that poses a threat to Mill Valley homeowners. The second benefit is restoration of the native plant species that predated the arrival of broom and other non-native vegetation..." For more info...
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PARK RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: Lagoon Prescribed Fire Near Bolinas to Remove Non-native Broom
In September 2012, 6 acres near were burned near Bolinas Lagoon to remove a large population of non-native French broom (Genista monspessulana). French broom has invaded areas of grassland and coastal scrub along the Highway One corridor between Olema and Stinson Beach as well as many other areas in Marin County. The area that was burned included the largest unmanaged French broom infestation in the Bolinas area on GGNRA land. Prescribed fire kills French broom plants and reduces the seed bank.
The Lagoon Prescribed Fire project will also maintain areas of grassland which would otherwise develop into dense shrub and forest where a wildfire would be more difficult to control. This will contribute to ongoing efforts to create a strategic fuel break along Highway One where the potential for vehicle ignited wildfires is high. Other similar small areas are burned along the Highway One corridor approximately every other year.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help monitor how the vegetation is responding to the burn, pull broom seedlings, and plant native species at the site. Contact the Habitat Restoration Team for more information at: 415-289-1861.
ABOVE: Firefighters on the control line during the Lagoon Prescribed Fire. |
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Bay Area Headlines
No Charges Against Man Blamed for Reno Wildfire
This accidental fire was started by improper disposal of fireplace ashes...
(San Francisco Chronicle, Jan 22, 2013)
MMWD Seeks Public Comment on How to Deal with Mt. Tam Brush Problem
(Marin Independent Journal, Nov 4, 2012 )
Marin Voice: Why Marin Chiefs Oppose State Fire Fee
(Marin Independent Journal, Sep 26, 2012)
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Upcoming Events
FEBRUARY 2013 - OPEN BURNING WORKSHOPS - Bay Area Air Quality Management District to discuss draft ammendments and fees specific to open burning. February 4 - SF / San Mateo Counties; February 7 - Contra Costa County; February 26 - Marin County. See details...
SPRING 2013 - ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW - MMWD's Draft Wildfire Protection and Habitat Improvement Plan. See calendar...
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