Invasive Species Removal and Fire Fuel Reduction for Climate Resilience at multiple County parks

The County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department is implementing a coordinated program for invasive species removal and fire fuel reduction across multiple county parklands, including Upper Stevens Creek, Sanborn, Mt. Madonna, Coyote Lake Harvey Bear, Coyote Creek Parkway, and Calero. This project, proposed for funding under a Proposition 4 grant, aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and mitigate climate-driven impacts such as catastrophic wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, and prolonged drought. The scope of work covers approximately 330 acres and 5 miles of trail corridors, focusing on restoring native plant communities and improving forest and meadow health. Key deliverables include the treatment of approximately 50 acres for invasive broom, forget-me-nots, and thistles using weed wrenches and chainsaws, the removal of invasive eucalyptus saplings across more than 6 acres at Mt. Madonna County Park to restore meadow habitat, and the treatment of roughly 100 acres of medusahead and barbed goat grass via weed whacking and line trimming. These activities will be coordinated with follow-up herbicide treatments to ensure long-term eradication. The project is classified under NAICS code 561730 and has been filed as a Notice of Exemption under CEQA Guidelines section 15304 for minor land alterations. Primary points of contact for the project are Senior Planner Colleen Tsuchimoto and Natural Resource Program Manager Dana Page.