Vegetative Fuels Reduction
updated: Oct 15, 2012, 4:07 PM

Source: City of Santa Barbara

The Parks and Recreation Department along with the Fire Department will be using a new vegetative fuels treatment method to complete a vegetation management project on City Park property at 601 Las Positas Road (across the street from Elings Park). Work will begin the week of October 16 and continue through October 19, 2012.

This six-acre property and the area of work was identified in the 2004 Wildland Fire Plan, and covered by the existing Environmental Impact Report. The proposed work is to create a fuel break 1,600 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The fuel break will ensure the Fire Department can protect the area in the event of a fire.

The project includes the use of a piece of equipment called a masticator tractor. The masticator will shred existing vegetation in place and allow the shredded material to be left on site and on top of the soil. This plant cover is critical to minimize erosion. This method will provide minimal soil disturbance using only one track along the project area.

The City is working with Cal Trans to provide access to the site. There will be minimal impacts to traffic flow along Las Positas Road.

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