Eucalyptus Removal @ St Marys

With the 1st Vegetation Management project coming to a close we are busy tying up loose ends and making sure the project is complete and up to standards. One of the objectives of Vegetation Management within the Wildland Fire Suppression Benefit Assessment District is the removal of exotic pest plants.
Through this project we have left behind many exotics, including eucalyptus and olive, for removal by the Ventura Cal Fire Handcrews. With just over a few days left until the project is all wrapped up, I thought I would post some pictures of the trees that were taken down.

Defensible Space Chipping Program to Start Next Week

Vegetation chipping services will be available to all property owners in the WFSBAD area from March 2nd through June 15th. Chipping services are provided to encourage property owners to
create defensible space and provide a cost effective way to dispose of cut material. The City wants to make this project environmentally friendly, and needs the homeowners help in doing so. Our goal is to re-use 98% of all chipped material. To achieve this goal we need your help. If you can use chips on your property please contact the Fire Services Specialist, Amber Anderson at (805) 564-5702.

There are very specific requirements of what can be chipped. The following chipping instructions
outline the specific requirements. Vegetation that does not meet these requirements will not be
chipped and will be left on site. The property owner will be responsible for the legal disposal of
any material that cannot be chipped.

CHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
Cut vegetation should be laid out in a pile along the street area and outside of the drivable roadway.
• The cut end of all vegetation must face the street so contractors can easily handle material.
• Brush should be left in long lengths. It is much easier to chip. Branches should be no greater than 10 inches in diameter.
• Long piles OK as long as they are not over 4 feet in height.
• Old dead vegetation that has been lying around for years cannot be chipped (this type of vegetation damages chipper blades).
• Pine needles or other leaf litter cannot be chipped.
• Twine or string must not be used to tie vegetation.
• Rocks or other debris will not be chipped.
• Piles pushed or moved by mechanical means, i.e. tractor, cannot be chipped.
• Material in plastic bags will not be picked up.
• Grasses, palm fronds, succulents or agaves will not be chipped.

Chainsaw Training at Skofield

While working at Skofield Park, a handful of our City engine companies were able to take part in some tree falling training. The crews had a great time while taking an additional step towards restoring the park to its native environment.