Update from Kate - 10/10 Fuel Reduction Cleanup in Mill Valley

Update from Kate

Fuel Reduction Crew to Begin Cleanup on Thursday, October 10 in Mill Valley

Defensible Space and Invasive Plant Cleanup Planned Around Residential Structures on Overhill Road in Camino Alto Preserve

With the threat of wildfires ever-present in our world today, it is crucial to have local resources dedicated to fuel reduction work. Removing vegetation (fuel) is a proven means to reduce the risk of fires spreading – if a fire starts in an area where there is less to burn, it can be more easily managed by firefighters. The efforts to create defensible space and clean up vegetation are preventative measures to keep the public, firefighters, and our homes and businesses safe.

Next week, the Marin County Parks and Marin County Fire Department Fuel Crew will begin defensible space and invasive plant cleanup around residential structures on Overhill Road in the Camino Alto Preserve. With the overall goal of creating a more fire-safe environment, the objectives of this project are to:

• Create a shaded fuel break by removing all dead and dying/decaying vegetation, and cleaning up (“thinning”) desirable vegetation on the ground and around low tree limbs; and
• Remove all invasive shrubs and young trees, including French broom and Douglas fir.

Material will be gathered into burn piles where appropriate, or chipped where possible.

Please note that portions of the work area may be on private property, and boundary lines could be different than portrayed on the attached map. The work crew will not cross any boundary barriers such as fences or hedges.

The work is planned to begin on Thursday, October 10, with the caveat that the date could change due to fire response, weather, or other environmental conditions.

For questions, please contact:

            Scott Barnes, Battalion Chief, City of Mill Valley Fire Department, 415-306-6554

            Nate Clark, Biodiversity Monitor, Marin County Parks, 415-328-1644

            Jim Chayka, Superintendent, Marin County Parks, 415-473-3639