Staff Repot. Veg Mgmt
PREPARED BY: Nicolle Burnham
Director, Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 3/21/2023 ITEM NO: 12
DATE: March 13, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management)
(CIP 812-0130) and Provide Direction on 2023 Work Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management) (CIP 812-0130)
and Direction on 2023 Work Plan
BACKGROUND:
Chronology of Prior Work
On December 7, 2017, the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the Santa Clara
County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The purpose of this five-year plan
to identify, assess, and reduce the long-term risk of hazard events. The MJHMP identified that
24% of the population of the Town of Los Gatos is in Very High Wildfire Severity Zone,
particularly along the southern side of the Town. The 2017 plan expired in 2022 and a new plan
is currently in development.
In 2019, the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council developed a County-wide Community Wildfire
Protection Plan (CWPP). This document sets forth a broad strategy for wildfire management
across the County. In the Los Gatos Annex of the CWPP, roadside brush removal and mowing
was identified as a mitigation strategy to provide buffers to reduce wildfire ignition and to
provide for safe evacuation.
In October 2019, the Town prepared and Town Council adopted the Wildland Urban Interface
(WUI) Evacuation Assessment Report. The WUI is defined as areas where human habitation
and development are near the edge or are located within areas dominated by wildland fuels.
PAGE 2 OF 6 SUBJECT: Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management) (CIP 812-0130) and Provide Feedback on 2023 Work Plan DATE: March 13, 2023
BACKGROUND (continued):
This report evaluated the street network in the WUI on a neighborhood basis and identified the
critical roadways for ingress and egress during emergencies.
During 2020, the Town’s wildfire mitigation efforts accelerated, with numerous changes the
Town code being adopted, numerous budget actions taken to support wildfire mitigation,
approval of an Ad Hoc Wildfire Committee’s Plan, and, in June 2020, the adoption by Town
Council of the Roadway Vegetation Management Plan. The Roadway Vegetation Management
Plan identified roadways where hazardous vegetation should be removed within the WUI. (A
separate report was prepared to address vegetation in Town-owned Open Space.)
The Roadway Vegetation Management Plan categorized approximately 31 miles of road into
Priority Areas (Level 1, 2, or 3) based on the amount of encroachment identified along the road,
the type of vegetation, and emergency egress and ingress needs. In general, the goal of
vegetation management along roads is to provide 20 feet of clear width and 13.5 feet of clear
height so vehicles of most sizes and types (including emergency vehicles) can be
accommodated safely. In addition to the width and height requirements, all areas within 10
feet of fire apparatus are required to be cleared of non-fire resistant vegetation.
Priority 1 roads are evacuation routes that were identified as having dense vegetation. Priority
2 roads may or may not be evacuation routes and were identified as having encroachment of
dense woodlands and/or flammable non-native invasive species. Priority 3 roads have minimal
vegetation encroachment that could increase the intensity of fire and/or increase wildfire
spread. Priority 3 roads were identified as not being in need of immediate vegetation
management and were recommended for inspection “every few years.
In 2021 and 2022, staff executed contracts for roadway vegetation management on Priority 1
and Priority 2 roads, and some other areas within the Town boundary. In addition, with the
support of earmark funding from the State, the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD)
stood up a wildfire team that operates out of Vasona County Park. This team performed some
vegetation management efforts in Los Gatos during summer 2022. Attachment 1 defines the
Priority 1, 2 and 3 road segments, identifies evacuation route routes, and defines which
segments had work completed in 2021 and 2022.
Funding of Vegetation Management Projects
The Town has been successful in competing for federal grants to support its Roadway
Vegetation Management Program to support its wildfire protection efforts. Federal grants
applied for to date are presented in Table 1.
PAGE 3 OF 6 SUBJECT: Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management) (CIP 812-0130) and Provide Feedback on 2023 Work Plan DATE: March 13, 2023
BACKGROUND (continued):
Both grants are intended for multiple year project delivery, supporting work for roadway
vegetation management during Fiscal Year 2023/24, 2024/25, and beyond. It should be noted
that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant covers two phases of work,
with Phase I including the development of procurement documents, public outreach and
engagement with residents adjacent to the roadway, and the issuance of a Request for
Proposals (RFP) for an environmental consultant to provide environmental oversight and
permitting assistance. The completion of Phase 1 Scope of Work must be done no later than
January 25, 2024, with deliverables and reimbursement claims due February 9, 2024. Once
Phase 1 has been submitted, the Town will await confirmation from FEMA of an obligation for
Phase 2 and at that time will work on the implementation phase to prepare an RFP for hiring a
contractor to conduct the vegetation management scope of work.
Table 1
Summary of Roadway Vegetation Management Funding to Date
Granting
Agency
Grant Designation Total Project
Amount
Grant Agency
Share
Town Required
Match
FEMA DR4569 Los Gatos
Hazardous Fuel
Reduction -
Roadways
$1,963,169
$1,472,377
$490,792
Phase 1 $36,750 $28,000 $8,750
Phase 2 $1,926,419 $1,444,377 $482,042
USDA
Forest
Service
Fuels Reduction
Project -Roadways
$1,500,000 $750,000 $750,000
TOTALS $3,463,169 $2,222,377 $1,240,792
For both grants the match can be in the form of budget allocations or staff time for grant
administration, development of the work plans, preparation of bid documents and field
oversight of the work performed.
DISCUSSION:
In summer and fall of 2023, staff will continue the roadway vegetation management program.
The current work plan calls for continuing work in Priority 1 and 2 roadways, and if funds
permit, Priority 3 evacuation routes. Field inspection of the Priority 1 and 2 roadways where
vegetation management was completed in 2021 and 2022 has revealed that these areas may
PAGE 4 OF 6 SUBJECT: Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management) (CIP 812-0130) and Provide Feedback on 2023 Work Plan DATE: March 13, 2023
DISCUSSION (continued):
require annual or bi-annual management. In other words, vegetation cleared in prior years has
re-grown such that some areas do not meet the 20 feet wide, 13.5 high clearance goal.
In January 2023, winter storms revealed roadway vulnerabilities of a different type in relation
to tree fall. Specifically, on Overlook Road two eucalyptus trees fell, blocking the roadway. An
arborist report, provided by property owners along Overlook Road is presented in Attachment
2. This report indicates a need to remove these trees and staff does not dispute the finding of
the report.
Eucalyptus globulus (commonly known as Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus) were planted
extensively in California and thrive in the coastal climate. The National Park Service completed
a study of these trees entitled “Eucalyptus: A Complex Challenge Fire Management, Resource
Protection and the Legacy of Tasmanian Blue Gum” that describes the fire hazard of these trees
as follows:
Constant shedding of bark is part of what makes these trees a fire hazard. The bark
catches fire readily, and the loose strips tend to carry fire up into the canopy, casting
embers outward. Despite the presence of volatile oils that can produce a hot fire, leaves
of blue gum eucalyptus are classed as intermediate in fire resistance when green, and
juvenile leaves are highly resistant to flaming.
Eighteen eucalyptus trees remain on Overlook Road. Removal and disposal of these trees and
their stumps is estimated to cost $270,000 to $306,000 ($15,000 to $17,000 per tree). This
price is based on the height and diameter of the trees and their proximity to structures. The
annual General Fund allocation Town-wide for tree removal and management is $100,000.
Normally, removal of trees would require the replacement trees be planted. The cost of
replacement street trees is not included in the cost noted above.
Overlook Road is identified as a Priority 3 area for roadway vegetation management. This is
due to the high canopy of these trees and the limited fire hazard they present if the bark litter is
regularly managed.
Throughout the Town of Los Gatos, the ownership of roadways varies. In some cases, the Town
owns the land on which roads are located. In other areas, the underlying land is owned by a
private entity and the Town has an easement over the road to allow for public use. Overlook
Road was transferred to the Town as part of an annexation that occurred many years ago. Staff
is still reviewing property records to verify who owns Overlook Road and also who may have
planted the eucalyptus trees.
PAGE 5 OF 6 SUBJECT: Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management) (CIP 812-0130) and Provide Feedback on 2023 Work Plan DATE: March 13, 2023
DISCUSSION (continued):
In addition to Overlook Road, community members from other areas have contacted staff
requesting the removal of certain trees (eucalyptus and other species) along other roadways
(e.g., College, Hilow, etc.). Staff plans to focus on the roadways identified in the Roadway
Vegetation Management Plan and does not propose proactive removal of roadside trees in
areas not identified as a Priority.
For 2023 staff proposes to complete: 1) up to $750,000 in vegetation management work in
accordance with the USDA grant; and 2) complete the Phase 1 work required per the FEMA
grant. Completing the $750,000 in vegetation management work is predicated on the Town
allocating the $750,000 match in the proposed Capital Budget.
Staff is currently developing its work plan for the 2023 roadway vegetation management
program. The final work plan is heavily dependent on whether Town Council would like to
direct use of the available grant funding to removal of the Eucalyptus on Overlook Road.
CONCLUSION:
Staff is working to identify priorities for the 2023 roadway vegetation management workplan.
The work plan would normally focus on Priority 1 and 2 roadways as identified in the Roadway
Vegetation Management. Staff looks forward to Council’s direction on whether the Overlook
Road eucalyptus trees or other trees should be included in this year’s work plan.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with the Town Attorney, Town Manager, and Finance Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff is seeking direction about the use of funds that are allocated through the Capital Budget
process. The action requested in this report has no direct fiscal impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. Appropriate
clearances will be secured when the proposed work becomes a project as defined under CEQA.
PAGE 6 OF 6 SUBJECT: Receive a Report on Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction (Vegetation Management) (CIP 812-0130) and Provide Feedback on 2023 Work Plan DATE: March 13, 2023
Attachments:
1. Roadway Vegetation Management Plan Priority Road List
2. Arborist Report for Overlook Road Eucalyptus Trees
3. Public Comments