SPANISH TRAIL VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

The proposed project is to reduce the existing fuel load within the project area to restore high-quality native grassland. The project area contains high-quality native serpentine grassland, as well as coyote brush scrub and woodland dominated by coast live oak and California bay laurel. Near areas of human development, native habitat has turned into non-native forest types which are now dominated by invasive species. The project area is generally steep with an average 25-degree gradient, with one unnamed ephemeral streamthat flows generally along the urban interface before entering a culvert at Paradise Drive that empties into San Francisco Bay. The project area is approximately 21 acres. All invasive species, including Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), French broom (Genista monspessulana), cotoneaster (Cotoneaster medik), and acacia (Acacia ssp.) would be removed and selective thinning and limbing of native species including coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) would be implemented within 100 feet of homes in the area of Paradise Drive and Mar East Street to meet defensible space standards, with no removal of mature native trees, or native trees over 8 inches diameter at breast height. Material would be disposed of by pile burning, chipping, or lopping and scattering. Herbicide would be applied to invasive species as a follow-up to cutting, either as a cut-stump or spray treatment. Equipment would include manual tools with chainsaws and weed wrenches. Tracked or wheeled chippers, as well as bucket trucks, may be used in areas with adequate access. Project implementation would occur over a three-year period beginning September 2026. Access for project implementation would be from Paradise Drive, Straits View Drive, Spanish Trail Road, and Heathcliff Fire Road. The proposed project would be implemented by a contractor and funded through Measure A Wildfire Fuel Reduction. MCOSD would implement appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) consistent with the MCOSD’s Road and Trail Management Plan and Vegetation Biodiversity Management Plan including bird nesting surveys if project implementation occurs between February 1 and August 31, to ensure that no trees with active nests or rookeries would be removed. All tree removal BMPs would be implemented. All tools, equipment, and clothing would be clean and free of dirt and vegetative material and treated with a 10 percent bleach solution after working to reduce the spread of sudden oak death. Herbicide application would be buffered from the unnamed ephemeral stream based on California Department of Pesticide Regulation requirements for specific herbicide. Applicable air quality permits from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District would secured if pile burning is utilized and pile burning would be conducted consistent with regulations. No other regulatory permit authorizations would be required because implementation of the proposed project would not affect jurisdictional waters or special-status species or habitats.