Summary of Cambria Forest Committee meeting of November 11, 2022
Not Approved Minutes, but a helpful report by CSD Director and board liaison Harry Farmer.
November 2022 Harry Farmer report
Eleven individuals from various groups attended today’s meeting that was both quite productive and relatively short.
The meeting was called to order around 10AM by CFC Chairperson Crosby Swartz.
The first person to speak was Kitty Connolly, Executive Director of Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. She announced that the Traditional FFRP Thanksgiving Tree Planting would be taking place on the Fiscalini Ranch on Saturday, November 26th at the Dolphin Bench starting at 9AM. Volunteers are welcome and always appreciated. You can learn more about this happening at the web site; www.fiscaliniranchpreserve.org
Greenspace Executive Director Karin Argano reported on the recent GS tree planting that took place adjacent to San Simeon State Park the first weekend in November just prior to the rain that most thankfully occurred a couple of days later. One thousand trees were planted by 84 volunteers, a much larger number than anticipated that included individuals and couples, families with children, even students from Cal Poly. Overall this combined effort was an tremendous success.
Greenspace will also be having Planting Day the weekend of November 19th-20th at the Greenspace Preserve on Center St in the East Village. This will be the planting of the California Native Plant Demonstration Garden, an event that is already staffed by enthusiastic GS volunteers. The official ribbon cutting will take place in mid January after the Holiday season. All in attendance acknowledged how wonderful it was that, after years of differences between local organizations, we were now working together in support of one another and for the good of Cambria’s forested areas and our community. This positive change would encourage all groups in being proactive in addressing the needs of the natural environment as opposed to reactive to various agencies regarding some fuel reduction practices and other circumstances.
A topic was briefly touched upon that has been recently discussed at Cambria CSD Board meetings as well as CFC monthly meetings is the lot in Fern Canyon donated by the property owner that was approved by the CCSD Board, and is being pursued as well by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo. This action will result in an even more beautiful area for hiking and enjoying a more intimate connection with this gem of nature located in a hidden away location.
Speaking of issues of concern recently discussed at CFC meetings. An article published in the County newspaper The Tribune in late August regarding forest health alluded to the entire forested part of Cambria as being in “unhealthy condition”. This all encompassing remark has been seen by some as an incorrect generalization that misstates the facts. Neil Havlik, representative of the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society, told us he’d submitted a letter of response to the editorial staff correcting this error, emphasizing that there are a variety of forested areas in our town in various conditions of health and well being. In addition, he also told us he’d received a response from the editor of the Tribune that, while editing down the length of Mr Havlik’s statement, retained the essence of his comments and appeared favorable to printing his highly educational submittal. Needless to say, this was well received by all in attendance. Ultimately Mr Havlik’s commentary was published the week of November 14th in both The Tribune and the Cambrian.
Briefly discussed was the Fire Prevention Grant for Cambria being pursued by the Upper Salinas Las Tablas Resource Conservation District. This project will assist in providing an updated Forest Management Plan that will mainly address the caring of the forest in the Fiscalini Ranch and Camp Ocean Pines.
Finally, under Future Items, it was suggested that Spencer Gordon, the recently hired Project Manager for the US-LT RCD, be invited to explain what various actions are being taken by his agency for the benefit of the forested areas in our community. In addition to projects described above, also involved are Rancho Marino, as well as Fish and Game property near Santa Rosa Creek Road adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Covell Ranch.
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Swartz at 10:57 AM.
The next Cambria Forest Committee meeting will take place on Friday, December 16th, at 10 AM via Zoom.
This summary written and submitted by CCSD Board Director Harry Farmer.
