Knollwood Hazard Tree Removal Project

The Knollwood Hazard Tree Removal Project in Nipomo, California, aims to mitigate wildfire risks by removing dead and dying blue gum eucalyptus trees along with accumulated understory fuel such as veldt grass. The project will employ a combination of heavy machinery—including excavator feller-bunchers, skid-steers, and chippers—and hand crews to efficiently clear hazardous vegetation. Dead trees will be felled by excavators and transported to designated landings for on-site chipping, with the resulting chips intended for reuse in landscaping. Hand crews will thin dense brush, collect downed woody debris, and prune live trees, using a remote-controlled tracked chipper to process the slash and evenly distribute it across the site to reduce fuel loads without creating additional hazards. All hazardous tree removal activities will be overseen by the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council to ensure safety and compliance with local fire prevention standards. The project is forecasted for implementation following its posting date of August 10, 2026, with planning and coordination managed by the County’s Planning Division, contactable through Alicia Parker and Alan Peters.