With some cooler and wetter fall weather, we have been hard at work on several substantial fuels reduction projects on our preserves. These projects focus on removing understory vegetation — also known as “ladder fuels” — which can raise a fire into the upper tree canopy. We also remove invasive species and open up the forest floor, allowing for the growth of native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers that would otherwise struggle to compete with the dense overgrowth.
We have partnered with Placer Resource Conservation District (RCD) on their North Fork American River Shaded Fuel Break Phase 2 project. At Aeolia, Stagecoach, and Canyon View Preserves near Auburn, our contracted crew recently completed the work with impressive speed and efficiency, clearing 41 steep acres filled with scotch broom, blackberry, and poison oak in less than five days. The project was funded by CAL FIRE in partnership with Placer RCD.
The team thinned vegetation across these three neighborhood-adjacent preserves, creating a buffer against the spread of wildfire. They then piled the cleared materials in preparation for managed burns which will take place this winter.
Neighbors appreciated the fire safety work. “Thank you for all the efforts to clear brush and dead trees on the Placer Land Trust land at Foresthill Avenue and Russel Road,” said neighborhood resident Kim Brown. “We all benefit through keeping healthy landscape.”
In early October, we held a work day with the AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) Program. This work day was for AmeriCorps Team Leaders to tackle a new type of one-day project as part of their leadership training.
At Kotomyan Big Hill Preserve, the team began a Shaded Fuel Break project that will continue through the fall and winter. We focused on limbing trees up 10 feet from the ground, reducing the understory vegetation to slow the growth of any potential wildfire. Read more about the project and our AmeriCorps partnership here.
For this winter, we’re also planning a riparian restoration project at Canyon View Preserve, focusing on clearing brush from the preserve’s waterways. This work will further improve the ecological health of the preserve by clearing the seasonal creeks of invasive species, allowing for healthy native plant growth and natural wildlife habitat.
These projects represent significant accomplishments in our work to enhance forest health and reduce wildfire risks. Stay tuned for more info about upcoming prescribed burns and restoration efforts, and their benefits to our community and the environment!
