24 Trees to Be Removed from Goleta Butterfly Grove

Source: City of Goleta

In September 2017, the City of Goleta obtained an emergency permit from the California Coastal Commission for tree removal work on the Ellwood Mesa. On November 29, 2017, twenty-four dead or dying trees in the Goleta Butterfly Grove will be removed. Click to view the permit and application.

BACKGROUND:

As you may know, the Goleta City Council held two meetings in early September to discuss the future of the dead and dying trees on the Ellwood Mesa.  After hours of public testimony and deliberation, the Council supported an option to remove a minimal number of trees around three key trails to provide beach access from several locations on the Mesa.  The tree removal locations and trails map can be found here. These trails are referred to as Trail 6, Trail 18 and Trail 25 in the General Plan.  All other trails remain closed.

The Ellwood Main Monarch Aggregation Site (aka Goleta Butterfly Grove) and other aggregation areas on the Ellwood Mesa will remain closed indefinitely.

The City is continuing work on the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan and will provide regular updates on the status and opportunities for the public to provide input on this important project. 

If you’re not already signed up to receive email and text notifications on Ellwood Mesa projects, please do so here: http://tinyurl.com/ellwoodmesasubscribe.