May 2015 Minutes

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

Minutes May 2015

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA

MINUTES

May 13, 2015   6:30 PM

LOCATION:  Rabobank, 1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Crosby and Laura Swartz, JoEllen Butler, FFRP, Bruce Mumper, FFRP, Christine Heinrichs, Greenspace. Connie Gannon, executive director of Greenspace. Visitors: Julie Jorgenson, lives near Fern Canyon, Tony Church, Ken Persinger, Kathy Hurrle.

New item added to agenda: Ask the Experts Question and Answer. This is intended  as a public comment and educational time for the public to participate and then leave if their questions have been answered.

Minutes of April 8 meeting approved as amended.

Treasurer’s report from Laura Swartz: No transactions, balance continues at $1,337.39. $350 of that is from the Community Council grant for the interpretive signs.

Sub-committee reports:

Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations: Laura Swartz reports good news, that the sign could be placed a the Main Street access to FFRP. The location is on county Right of Way, so the county will have to approve it. That is usual, provided the adjacent landowner has no objection. Laura spoke with the owner of the BlueBird Motel, who is enthusiastic in support. She will also present it to NCAC. Further discussions will be scheduled with Greenspace to place the other sign on one of Greenspace’s properties. Connie Gannon will arrange with Rick Hawley, operations manager.

Website Updates and Additions: Minutes and the interpretive sign have been added to the web site by Christine Heinrichs. Other possible future additions are a Q&A; the Greenspace brochure illustrating native and non-native vegetation; information about watering trees; an article from Sunset that Connie Gannon has regarding saving trees; the section in the Forest Management Plan on watering; and the county ordinance on tree removal and mitigation.

Pre-Planning for Forest Restoration: Crosby Swartz expressed a need for tracking tree removal and having aplan for restoration as a condition for the CSD’s adoption of the Emergency Tree Removal Permit, scheduled for consideration at the following day’s Special CSD Meeting. In the event, that item was removed from the agenda.

Discussion covered the number of trees being removed by the county, 126, but trees are also being removed by the CSD, PG&E and private owners.

JoEllen Butler reported that Sarah Bisbing’s Cal Poly forestry class is collecting information about tree mortality on FFRP, Rancho Marino and Covell Ranch, to support the Cap & Trade Greenhouse Gas grant application. Dan Turner is preparing that application, due June 10. Data will include soil type, infestations and all factors that affect tree health. Future funding could allow more extensive analysis.

Fog Moisture Project Planning: Connie Gannon reports three more people are building fog catchers. There has been so little fog that Rick Hawley’s has not collected any measurable moisture. Possibly a screen would collect more than the filament Rick is using.

CCSD Blanket Tree Removal Permit: Crosby plans to attend the meeting sand offer the Forest Committee’s help in creating a reforestation plan for long-term mitigation. Others mentioned that the county does not enforce its regulations and therefore, no one is held accountable. The mitigation ratio needs to be clarified, at 1:4 or greater. Homeowners need to sign a release to commit to replanting. Trees can be successfully pl;anted during the drought. FFRP trees planted three and four years ago are doing well. Waiting until the drought is over increases the chance that trees will never be planted. The Forest Committee could present the CSD with a plan that would enable the CSD to act. Crosby and Laura Swartz, Ken Persinger and Christine Heinrichs committed to attending the CSD Special Meeting and submitting comments.

Bruce Mumper reported that Shirley Bianchi and Susan MacDonald are starting a new Fire Safe Committee.

Greenspace and Growing Grounds in San Luis Obispo have Monterey Pine seedlings from local seeds.

Laura Swartz will have postcard-size copies of the interpretive sign made for use as calling cards and meeting invitations at a cost of $44 per hundred. Moved by Bruce Mumper and seconded by JoEllen Butler to unanimous approval.

The Forest Committee needs a forest ecology expert who can advise on best practices. The Committee will consider how to identify a person, perhaps from Cal Poly or some retired person from the community to assist in saving the forest.

Unfinished Business:

New permit applications: Crosby found no trees will be affected on the permit application he reviewed. Tony Church differed, said several will be killed by the proposed construction. Crosby will review.

Locations for Tree Planting: A list compiled by Galen Rathbun exists. A notice could be placed in the Cambrian asking for property owners who are willing to have trees planted on their property.

Public Comment:

Ken Persinger reported that he has been working with the fire department on defensible space and chipping events. He is in favor of the emergency tree removal permit to help homeowners remove dead trees.

“We need to take an optimistic view,” said Laura Swartz. “We can look like this again. Where do we go from here?”

Next meeting June 10, 2010.

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April 2015 Minutes

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Christine Heinrichs

Minutes April 2015

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA

Minutes

April 8, 2015

TIME:   6:30 PM

LOCATION:  Rabobank, 1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

1.0  Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Directors in attendance: Crosby and Laura Swartz, Christine Heinrichs, Bruce Mumper, Amanda Rice.  Also attending: Connie Gannon, executive director of Greenspace; Carlos Mendoza, CCSD staff; Mark Miller, Cambria Fire Chief; Julie Jorgenson, landscape architect; Tony Church, NCAC member; Kathe Tanner, reporter for The Cambrian.

2.0  Minutes of Previous Meeting approved as corrected.

3.0  Treasurer’s Report: Laura Swartz reports the treasury has $1,337.39. Rabobank refunded one $10 fee and gave a $200 donation. $350 is remaining from the Cambria Community Council grant. Laura will take taxes to Lynn to submit forms. The Forest Committee does not owe any taxes but is required to to submit documentation. Amanda Rice, who hosts the Forest Committee’s site, may have to increase that charge to reflect an increase to her. She and Christine Heinrichs will meet to update the Forest Committee web site.

4.0  Sub-Committee Reports

4.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations

Fire Prevention Meeting Thursday April 9th at the Vets Hall: Laura and Crosby Swartz will represent the Forest Committee with the interpretive sign on display.

Tree Health Tips for Homeowners: Tree health tips can be posted on the web site: mulching a trench around the dripline of the tree and watering there. Keep mulch away from the truck to avoid decay.

We discussed graywater systems to re-use household water. More information is needed. We will search for good sources of information or an app regarding what can be safely used on gardens and landscaping.

Interpretive Sign Location: Laura and Crosby Swartz gave a presentation to FFRP last month but have not been notified of a decision. Carlos Mendoza said the FFRP board took action but would notify the Forest Committee formally.

Weed Abatement Guidelines

Connie Gannon of Greenspace offered a brochure on creating defensible space printed in 2004 illustrated with drawings of the native and invasive plants, to guide homeowners in weed whacking. The brochure will be reproduced and shared online and with the fire department, subject to Ms. Gannon’s determination of copyright. Mark Miller recommends leaving all native plants as ground cover to retain moisture. Director Rice suggested a letter from the Forest Committee would impress absentee owners take notice to care for their vacant lots. Ms. Gannon volunteered Rick Hawley to lead a workshop May 9 on weed whacking, which will be video-taped and posted to the Internet.

Defensible space is the ignition zone 30 feet around the house, the lean and green zone. In the next 70 feet, eliminate ladder fuels, flashy fuels, and, cut back the rest to four inch level. Director Rice will print up a postcard to be distributed at the Emergency Meeting Thursday night directing people to the Forest Committee web site for further information.

Chief Miller prefers that dead trees be taken all the way down to the ground. Greenspace director Gannon prefers that tall stumps be left as habitat. PGE is taking down four dead trees on Greenspace property.

Flushing fire hydrants: Laura Swartz suggested using the water produced by the Emergency Water Project during its summer Tracer Test to flush the fire hydrants. The water could be used to water the area around the hydrants and collected for landscaping. Chief Miller estimates 15-20 of the 420 hydrants in Cambria would need to be flushed.

Kathe Tanner offered support of The Cambian to publicize the problem: Is Your Hydrant Safe? to encourage public support. Using the water will reduce fire danger.

4.2 Forest Management

Cambria Forest Health Project Grant Application (Greenhouse Gas): The first grant application has been submitted, with the expectation of a decision in June. The second grant proposal has been given the green light for a full application. Dan Turner can give a report at the next meeting.

Fog Moisture Project Planning: Rick Hawley of Greenspace has built a fog collector on his roof. He will do his own pH testing. Samples can be analyzed in Davis if Dr. Ingraham is unwilling. Ms. Gannon reported that samples being taken in the Santa Lucias indicate ozone levels are rising and particulate matter is arriving from Asia, most likely from coal burning in China.

Emergency Water Project NOP comments: The Forest Committee’s initial comments on the project are still valid and have been updated and submitted to the RBF Consulting. Other agency comments have been posted to Greenspace’s web site.

5.0  New Business

5.1  Comments on New Permit Applications : none affected trees.

Director Rice noted that the North Coast Advisory Plan allows the county to implement a $90 mitigation fee in addition to the permit and inspection fee to remove living trees, to be applied to funding the Forest Management Plan. The Tourism Board is supposed to designate 10 percent of its revenues to environmental issues. This money could be used to hire a forest ecologist. She recommends we lobby the supervisors to collect these fees and spend the money on the Forest Management Plan and a forest ecologist.

 

 

Adjournment at 8:50 pm.

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March 2015 Minutes

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEETO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIAMeeting Minutes, March 11, 2015 Download pdf here: Minutes March 2015

Meeting was convened at  6:30 PM at Rabobank in Cambria.

A quorum of directors was in attendance: Crosby and Laura Swartz, JoEllen Butler, Bruce Mumper, Amanda Rice and Christine Heinrichs. Vari MacNeil, Tony Church, Mark Miller, Dan Turner and  Jeff Walters also attended.

Approval of minutes deferred to corrections, which will be accomplished via email.Treasurer’s Report from Laura Crosby: $1,137.39 includes the $500 grant from the Cambria Community Council. The bank has eliminated further monthly charges to the account and will repay those deducted in January and February but cannot refund any fees paid in 2014. The application for a $200 grant from the bank is still pending.Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations:

Pine Forest Interpretative Sign Location: Crosby and Laura Swartz walked Fiscalini Ranch with JoEllen Butler March 10 and took photos of appropriate locations for the signs. They will meet with the FFRP Board to discuss on Thursday.

PG&E Reliability Program: No information on tree mitigation planting.

Forest Management: The Cambria Forest Management Plan has never been funded. With costs of the emergency Water Project passing $12 million, it’s unlikely that money will be made available for the forest.
Dan Turner, business manager of the Fire Safe Council, reported that the Fire Risk Reduction Project Grant Application SRA Fee grant application was not funded. However, the Cambria Forest Health Project Grant Application  Greenhouse Gas Reduction grant application has been recommended to go forward. He will report to the community at the meeting Wednesday, March 18, Vets Hall 9-11 am. Other funding may be available, such as $50,000 designated for the Park Hill area in the event that project was not funded through SRA Fee. Park Hill was funded, so that money may be reallocated to Cambria.

Amanda Rice asked “What does forest health mean?” The group discussed various aspects of forest health: appropriate density of trees, sufficient water, reduction of invasive species, removal of excess deadfall to reduce fuel. A catastrophic fire is possible. Fire Chief Mark Miller made the point that Cambria does not have adequate fire fighting ability in the event of a fast-moving, wind-driven fire. He is focused on eliminating ignition sources such as overhead power lines, vegetation fires near homes, any open burning, weed whackers and mowers without spark arresters. “Everyone has to be cognizant of those ignition sources,” he said. “We’ve had enough rain to get a good crop of weeds. That’s your flash point.”

Vari MacNeil suggested more signs about not smoking on trails. Chief Miller also wants more signs warning of fire danger along the highway. She reported that Neil Ingraham, the Fresno State University scientist she has been working with on the fog project, has described Cambria’s Monterey Pine forest as a relict, at the edge of its historic limit. If it burns down or dies, it will probably not be able to regenerate.
Monterey Pine is a fire dependent species that requires the high temperatures of fire to open its cones and drop seeds to grow new trees.
Dan Turner said that trees that have survived infestations and disease but are now dying from the drought.Amanda Rice suggested having an evacuation drill. Chief Miller is exploring that idea.
Laura Swartz suggested asking the CSD to allocate money to take down dead trees on private property as well as dead trees on their own. “I’m trying to shift some responsibility to our local agency,” she said.
Amanda Rice suggested that the Forest Committee act as an information resource for Cambrians with respect to dead trees, defensible space, weed abatement and other fire safety issues.
Jeff Walters suggested reopening the public easement to the Covell Ranch, where the public previously maintained the fire break by removing understory. Chief Miller said that project was near and dear to him because “it’s the best insurance this community has.” Walters suggested that the Fire Safe Council might approach Covell about reopening the easement on fire safety grounds.
Fog Moisture Project Planning: Vari MacNeil reported that the study is moving forward. She submitted questions to Neil Ingraham collected from the Forest Committee and Greenspace and awaits his answers. Rick Hawley sent a message that he is reworking the fog collection device to be less vulnerable to wind.The possibility of burning dead wood in a cogeneration plant could supply power to the water plant, which is using $30,000 of power a month. PG&E is not always willing to buy power. That remains to be explored.
New Business: Greenspace is pursuing a grant for a workshop and flyer on defensible space. Amanda has worked on that in the past and will forward materials to Vari MacNeil. Flyers could be sent out with water bills to every address in Cambria and given to real estate agents to give to their clients. The Forest Committee could also produce brochures for tree professionals to inform them of the legal requirements for getting permits to cut trees and advice on best pruning practices. Mark Miller has brochures on weed abatement he wrote with Galen Rathbun’s input.

Chief Miller suggested that the Forest Committee could apply for a grant to create a demonstration garden. The Botanical Garden and Arroyo Grande have demonstration gardens to show the public how to landscape to reduce fire danger.Locations for Tree Planting: still looking for recommendations. The Forest Committee will create zones where new trees are need3ed and can be planted with an expectation that they will survive.The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm.

Next Meeting April 8, 2015

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February 2015 Minutes

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA
11 February 2015 6:30 PM, Rabobank, 1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

Download pdf here Minutes February 2015
1.0 Call to Order and Establish a Quorum
Crosby and Laura Swartz,, Alan Peters, Bruce Mumper, Amanda Rice, Christine Heinrichs attending. Guests Tony Church, NCAC representative, Kermit Johansson, Connie Gannon, Kathe Tanner, reporter for The Cambrian

2.0 Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting

Minutes subject to additional statement regarding the discussion of Fire Chief Mark Miller’s resignation, as required by GM Jerry Gruber.

3.0 Treasurer’s Report

Laura Swartz reports that the bank account balance is $1137.39. She continues to work with the bank on a grant to pay bank fees of $10 a month. She will request a refund of fees paid since April 2014.

4.0 Sub­Committee Reports – none

4.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations

Effect of Drought on Tree Mortality and Fire ­Risk

Alan Peters of Cal Fire reported that he, Kim Carmella and one other toured the area and estimate 40 percent of the trees in the forest have died. Older trees have fought pathogens for years and now are succumbing to the drought. Crosby Swartz said, “The general public can see the dead trees, but I’m not sure they are aware of the fire danger.” Connie Gannon, executive director of Greenspace, said she is preparing a grant application through the Fire Safe Countil to hold a public workshop on creating defensible space so that indigenous plants are not damaged and invasives are removed, to be held in Spring 2016.

Cambria Community Council Grant Award

Laura Swartz reported that the Cambria Community Council awarded the Forest Committee $500 for a second year. the 2015 grant was used to fund the interpretive signs.

Pine Forest Interpretative Sign Location
CSD has not responded to requests for locations, per Amanda Rice. Crosby Swartz said he would attend the FFRP board meeting Thursday February 12 and ask that one be placed on the ranch. Director Bruce Mumper, representing FFRP, said signs are generally frowned upon but an exception could be made in this case.  “I think it’s a great sign,” he said. Laura Swartz had a presentation ready for PROS but the meeting was canceled. Amanda Rice suggested talking to CSD director Gail Robinette, who formerly served on PROS.

PG&E Reliability Program

Crosby has not received any information from PG&E. Chief Miller believes the work was done but there may be additional trees yet to be removed.

4.2 Forest Management

SRA Fee Fire Risk Reduction Project

Although the Forest Committee is not specifically mentioned in the SRA Fire Prevention grant application, the Forest Committee is included in the list of nine community partners in the Greenhouse Gas applications. Crosby Swartz said that the Forest Committee will hold public meetings as the project moves forward. Laura Swartz said that the Forest Committee can serve as a liaison between the agencies and the public.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant Application

Alan Peters reports that no decision has been made as to which grant applications will move forward. He expects an answer by Friday. Grant applications are due April 30. An Air Burner being leased for use on the North Coast could be part of the project’s technology.

Fog Moisture Project Planning

Greenspace will pay for three fog catchers. Connie Gannon conferred with the Coastal Commission’s new forest ecologist Laurie Koteen, who is a specialist in pine diseases. Connie will continue contacts for fog research. Analysis can be costly. Amanda Rice suggested a donation drive giving certificates to donors for Saving a Tree.

5.0 New Business

5.1 Motion to Approve CFC Director Candidate

Crosby Swarrz has approached a candidate, a well qualified person who has served on the Forest Committee in the past. That person was not able to attend the meeting but will be invited to the next meeting.

5.2 Director Miller Resignation ­ Status of CCSD Representatives

GM Gruber is adamant about demanding Chief Miller’s resignation from the Forest Committee board. Amanda Rice said she would continue to serve as a director, siting other board members who serve on community boards. CSD director Jim Bahringer recently accepted a position on the Cambria Chamber Tourism Board. The Forest Committee cites its mission statement on every agenda and is an advocate for all points of view in supporting Cambria’s forest. Possible actions include inviting GM Gruber to speak to the committee on management of trees on CSD property and possible future cooperation on grant applications. Candidates for new directors will be sought through current directors bringing others to the meetings, holding meetings in restaurants, meeting with other groups. “We have a compelling, urgent message,” said Crosby Swartz. “How do we manage something that is owned piecemeal but is community wide?” said Amanda Rice.

Kathe Tanner said that The Tribune is exploring the possibility of posting more and longer articles online. Christine Heinrichs will submit meeting summaries to her when she is not able to attend Forest Committee meetings.

Amanda Rice asked for approval to show Mark Miller’s drone video to the Coastal Commission, meeting this week in Pismo Beach. She will include contact information for the Forest Committee, for the benefit of those who watch the commission meeting from other locations.

Tony Church reported that Vari MacNeil had a discussion with a county employee who told her that the county no longer charges for permits for tree removal because they do not send an inspector out. Crosby Swartz will follow up.
5.3 Comments on New Permit Applications

No forest impact of the MUD permit application for installation of electronic equipment at  motel, 6252 Moonstone Beach Dr.

6.0 Unfinished Business

6.1 Locations for Mitigation Tree Planting

Connie Gannon reported that the Cal Fire grant application includes 200 trees. Her workshop application includes 100 tree seedlings.
6.2 Tree Planting Recommendations ­ Evaporation Pond

The location between the State Park Campground and the emergency water project was discussed. Amanda Rice reports that the district engineer liked the idea but no one wanted to follow through on it. She will mention it to Interim Parks Director Brooke Guttierrez when she meets with her on another subject.

7.0 Public Comment – none

8.0 Adjournment 8:09

Next Meeting March 11, 2015

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January 2015 Minutes

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Christine Heinrichs

Cambria Forest Committee

Meeting January 14, 2015, 6:30 PM

Download pdf here Minutes January 2015

Rabobank 1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

1.0  Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Members attending: Laura and Crosby Swartz,Mark Miller, Bruce Mumper, Christine Heinrichs. Also attending: Vari MacNeil of NCAC and Beautify Cambria,  Tony Church of NCAC as a guest, Connie Gannon of Greenspace, Julie Jorgenson, private citizen and landscape designer.

Cambria Fire Chief Mark Miller informed the committee that Cambria General Manager Jerry Gruber has informed Chief Miller that he now sees a conflict of interest in Chief Miller serving as a Forest Committee director. He required Chief Miller to resign. Crosby Swartz said he will confer with the CSD Board and GM Gruber to explore whether Chief Miller can be allowed to remain a Forest Committee director.

2.0  Previous minutes approved with the change of PG&E representative, who is now John Shoals.

3.0  Treasurer’s Report: Laura Swartz reported that the treasury now has a balance of $647.39. She purchased a couple more signs, one of which was re-sold to Camp Ocean Pines. They will post it on their property. She has applied for a small grant from Rabobank to cover monthly $10 bank fees.

4.0  Sub-Committee Reports:

4.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations

Pine Forest Interpretive Sign LocationsThe CFC is awaiting two more sign location recommendations from CCSD, which has not responded to CFC member and CCSD director Amanda Rice’s request. “The good news is that Camp Ocean Pines is putting one up,” said Crosby Swartz

Cambria Community Council Grant Application: Application has been made, awaiting a decision.

PG&E Reliability Program – County Information: Communication with both the county and PG&E is less than the CFC would like. PG&E’s position on planting for mitigation is that they are required to follow state law, but as a courtesy follow county ordinance requiring tree planing mitigation. Where they replant is unclear. Trees that fall down on their own are not included in mitigation but sometimes PG&E plants trees as a matter of good relations. Unclear as to how PG&E decides on where to plant mitigation trees. Crosby Swartz cited the example of 300 trees being planted on a site outside town because CCSD would not agree to having trees planted on property it owns, a process that took three years. Laura Swartz said that CCSD will not allow replanting in Fern Canyon, where trees were removed. The Land Conservancy has turned over responsibility for maintaining its easements to the CCSD, which wants to avoid incurring maintenance costs for the trees. “They are losing millions of dollars in grants to save thousands in maintenance,” she said.

Highway 1 Shoulder Clean-up – Director Miller has received the Encroachment Permit, valid for one year, from Cal Trans, allowing CCC workers to work along the highway. Funds have not yet been allocated.

4.2 Forest Management

Forest Health Grant Meeting: Monday January 19, 2-4 pm at the Fire House. Mark Miller will lead. Director Heinrichs will attend. Greenspace’s Connie Gannon will attend.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction and SRA Fee Grant Programs: Cal Fire advised the Fire Safe Council to proceed with a grant application for $500,000 rather than the $1.2 million in the original concept. That application is due January 27. Monday’s meeting will discuss reducing the scope of the project. The CCC workers pay is not included in that, so the entire project will have about a $1 million value. Money is needed to pay contractors to come with heavy equipment to remove tall trees.

The priority for the Fire Safe Council is the second phase of a project at Park Hill our in the SLO County plain. Phase 1 of that project has been completed and cattlemen out there want Phase 2 to move forward.

Two additional grant concepts remain under consideration.

Fog Moisture Project Meeting: Dr. Neil Ingraham of Fresno State will visit Cambria the weekend of January 24 to discuss the fog monitoring project. He will meet with Connie Gannon and Rick Hawley on Sunday morning to discuss.

5.0  New Business: Director Miller has a colleague who has a drone that he is using to record video on flyovers for aerial viewing. He will connect with him to explore whether he can make a short video clip of Cambria’s forests to illustrate the drought’s damage.

5.1  Comments on New Permit Applications:

Hemme addition and deck addition on Orville will remove two Monterey Pine trees. The applicants will mitigate by planting four new trees. The Orville site also has drainage problems.

The Farmer sun room and deck addition on Romney will remove one large oak tree.

Vari MacNeil of NCAC commented that NCAC has already decided to approve both as within the law, although with reservations due to the loss of trees.

5.2  Tree Planting Recommendations – EWS Evaporation Pond: Director Rice, not in attendance, has indicated interest in recommending species of trees and shrubs to be planted as mitigation around the Emergency Water Plant. Vari MacNeil suggested charging the CCSD a consultant fee. “All the other consultants are getting paid,” she said.

6.0  Unfinished Business

Director Miller led a discussion of the dire state of Cambria’s forest. He conferred with Dr. Chris Dicus of Cal Poly’s Forestry Department, who visited Cambria. He spent six months in Australia during the 2009 fire that wiped out the small town of Marysville. “Marysville is Cambria,” Miller reported that Dicus said.

6.1  Recommend Locations for 40 Mitigation Trees: deferred to gather more information

7.0  Public Comments: Julie Jorgenson said that her husband works for CNN News out of Los Angeles and she will suggest that he do a story on Cambria and the dangerous fire risk, another aspect of the damage done by the drought.

Director Miller said that a Monterey Pine forest will normally burn and renew itself, but with all the people living in Cambria’s forest, that’s not possible. “That doesn’t reduce the need for the forest to renew itself, though” he said.

Crosby Swartz said that we need to increase everyone’s awareness of the problem.

8.0  Adjournment at 7:50 pm

 

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November 2014 Minutes

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA

Minutes, November 12, 2014. Download pdf here Minutes November 2014

TIME:   6:30 PM

LOCATION:  Rabobank,  1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

1.0  Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Crosby Swartz, Laura Swartz, Mark Miller, Bruce Mumper, Amanda Rice, Christine Heinrichs

2.0  Guest Speaker – Vari MacNeil, President, Beautify Cambria Association

Vari MacNeil’s presentation inspired an hour-long discussion of Cambria’s issues. The Monterey Pine Forest should be a unique identifying symbol of Cambria and central to its vision and branding. New trash cans have been designed that incorporates a planter. A prototype is being built. Amanda Rice is planning town meetings to encourage discussion of changes that could make Cambria more welcoming to tourists and comfortable for residents.

3.0  Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting: approved as corrected.

4.0  Treasurer’s Report” Laura Swartz reports $910.56, a $10 reduction for bank fees.

5.0  Sub-Committee Reports

5.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations

Review Invitation Letter and Address List: Crosby Swartz will continue to update the list of agencies and organizations previously involved with the Forest Committee and invite them to send a representative to meetings.

Pine Forest Interpretive Sign Location: Ms. Rice has not received approval from CSD General Manager Jerry Gruber for sign placement yet. The water project is taking all his attention. She suggests individual Forest Committee members may contact him. She has a meeting scheduled with  him next week.

Cambria Community Council Grant Application: Laura Swartz is sorking on the application. A second location for a sign could be on FFRP or in the Santa Rosa Creek corridor. The sign could also be used as a tri-fold brochure.

PG&E Reliability Program – County Information: Crosby Swartz has been unable to make contact with PG&E’s new representative, Eric Daniels. No one has seen any cutting yet being done.

Highway 1 Shoulder Clean-up – Director Miller: Cal Trans’ representative Bruce O’Hagen did not attend a scheduled meeting with Chief Miller. Chief Miller is also working with Mike Anderson of the CCC and Dan Turner of Fire Safe. He welcomes Forest Committee members to oversee the project when it comes to fruition. No trees will be cut down. Plantings are possible in the cleared area.

Ecology and Cambria Forum – Director Heinrichs: Ms. Rice has contacted the Unitarian Universalist congregation for permission to use their building for public meetings. Various Cambria groups would have the opportunity to share information about their programs and hear from residents.

5.2 Forest Management

2014/15 Cap & Trade and SRA Grant Programs: Chief Miller will work with Dan Turner, who wrote the original grant application, to submit it to the new programs for funding. Ms. Rice is willing to consult. Chief Miller and Ms. Heinrichs will attend the November 20 Fire Safe meeting and discuss with Mr. Turner.

6.0  New Business

Cambria Water Project: Ms. Rice reported that the project will require screening from the State Park Campground and would be a good place to plant trees. The committee will approach District Engineer Bob Gresens for tree planting within Cambria before adding trees at the project site.

Ms. Rice is unhappy about the many cigarette butts along Highway 1 at the bus stop on Moonstone Beach Drive.

6.1  Set date for next meeting – holiday schedule

No meeting in December. Next meeting January 14. 2015

7.0  Unfinished Business

7.1  Recommend Locations for 40 Mitigation Trees: Approach CSD for sites in Cambria where trees can be planted.

8.0  Public Comments:

Vari MacNeil reported that she is in contact with Neil Ingraham of Fresno State University, who has conducted research on fog drip as a source of grand water recharge. He is willing to do a study in Cambria’s Monterey Pine Forest. Two volunteers and about $1,000 for collection equipment are needed. Rick Hawley has offered to supply these needs from Greenspace. The first results will record data from a year.

9.0  Adjournment

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October 2014 Minutes

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA

MEETING MINUTES October 8, 2014 Download pdf here Minutes October 2014

TIME:   6:30 PM

LOCATION:  Rabobank, 1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

1.0  Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Laura and Crosby Swartz, Tony Church, Alan Peters (Cal Fire) JoEllen Butler, Bruce Mumper (FFRP), Amanda Rice, Christine Heinrichs.

2.0  Guest Speaker – Paul Williams, Manager Orkin Horticultural Services

Mr. Williams spoke on Pitch Pine Canker and other pine and oak diseases. His academic and professional background is as a horticulturalist rather than an arborist. He uses chemical fungicides and pesticides to treat Pitch Pine Canker and the Red Turpentine and Ips Engraver beetles that are associated with it. He is aware of the hazards of toxic chemical use. He will consult and evaluate anyone’s trees without charge. (805) 541-3445 ext 1, cell (805) 458-0042, paul.williams@orkinslo.com

3.0  Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting

Minutes to be revised for approval at November meeting.

4.0  Treasurer’s Report

Laura Swartz reported $920.56. The permanent interpretive sign has been made by The Sign Place in San Luis. $17.71 remains from the Cambria Community Council grant.

5.0  Sub-Committee Reports

5.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations

Guest Speaker and Publicity for November Meeting

Vari MacNeil will give a presentation on Beautify Cambria Association at November’s meeting.

Review Invitation Letter and Address List

Ms. Rice will ask CSD staff to check for updates on the missing contact information on the CFC list.

Pine Forest Interpretive Sign Location – Sign Delivered

Next a location and method of mounting it will be determined. Amanda Rice will help on location.

Cambria Community Council Grant Application

Ideas for applying for another grant for 2015 were discussed. Another application for continuing the sign project; conservation flags; rack cards and tri-fold brochures are possible.

PG&E Reliability Program – County Information

Art Trinidade is back at work. Locations for planting mitigation trees were discussed.  The Fitzwater Canyon Reserve, the conservation easement along Hwy 1 west of Liemert, the intersection of Burton and Hwy 1 where trees are being removed, Fern Canyon, the area near Laylon’s home are all possible locations. Confer with Rick Hawley at Greenspace for recommendations.

5.2 Forest Management

Western Forestry Leadership Coalition Grant Report

Alan Peters of Cal Fire has no report as to why our application was not funded or which ones were.

2014/15 Cap & Trade and SRA Grant Programs

These are eight separate programs which have funds to be distributed. See separate communication for links and details. Proposals are due in mid-November. Cambria’s various agencies and organizations (CFC, Cal Fire, FFRP, Greenspace, others) will collaborate on one or more proposals under the leadership of one organization, to be determined. NeoNative Monterey Pine Forests, weed removal, wildlife/urban interface are among possible projects.

6.0  New Business

7.0  Unfinished Business

7.1  Recommend Locations for 40 Mitigation Trees for the 20 pine trees scheduled for PG&E removal

Potential for some at 3261 Pine St (East Ranch)

8.0  Public Comments

Several members of the public attended to hear Mr. Williams presentation and left after that.

9.0  Adjournment

Next Meeting November 12, 2014

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September 2014 Minutes

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA

MEETING MINUTES September 10, 2014 Download pdf here Minutes September 2014

TIME:   6:30 PM

LOCATION:  Rabobank, 1070 Main Street,  Cambria, CA 93428

1.0  Call to Order and Establish a Quorum

Members attending: Crosby Swartz; Laura Swartz; Mark Miller; Christine Heinrichs; Bruce Mumper, FFRP. Others attending: Laylon Whitaker; Jeff Hellman; Tony Church

2.0  Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting: Deferred to the next meeting.

3.0  Treasurer’s Report: Total: $1,153.22 includes $24.32 petty cash. $218 remains from the Cambria Community Council grant.

4.0  Sub-Committee Reports

4.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations:

Guest Speaker and Publicity for October Meeting: Paul Williams of Orkin, Inc, formerly Nordella’s, and is an expert who can talk on tree health and care. He will be invited for the October meeting. Vari MacNeil of Beautify Cambria will be invited to give her PowerPoint presentation at the November meeting.

Mark Miller was contacted by Cal Trans with an offer to participate in cleaning up the back of businesses along Highway 1. Linda Findlay of the Tourism Board offered $1,500 grant, could offer more if needed. Miller will proceed with plans.

The Fire Department will have a Chipping Event September 29-30. Residents need to place material to be chipped at the edge of the road. Application required, available at Fire Department and CCSD. Application deadline September 26.

Location for Pine Forest Interpretive Sign:

The ideal location is by the bridge that connects to East Ranch off Main Street. Amanda Rice, not in attendance, has been guiding the approval needed for this placement. Crosby Swartz has identified a San Luis Obispo business that can make a durable sign for reasonable cost.

Cambria Community Council Grant Application:

Committee members are asked to come up with ideas for projects that could be funded by these small grants before October. The forest interpretive sign was funded last year.

PG&E Reliability Program Information:

Mark Miller has a list of 20 trees PG&E   has identified as hazardous to be removed. He visited each one on the list and added one of his own. The list was shared with all present. Miller feels that PG&E has compiled a thoughtful list of only the most problem trees.

4.2 Forest Management

Western Forestry Leadership Coalition Grant Application

Fiscallini Ranch Preserve and Greenspace:

Alan Peters has written and submitted the application. It is one of five submitted, two will receive awards. Even if this application is not successful, additional grants are expected to become available in the future.

5.0  New Business

5.1  Comments on New Permit Applications:

Ken Persinger’s new construction at 628 Huntington appears to have already removed most trees. Tony Church reports problems on other aspects of the application which may result in a large tree being removed. Further information needed. Art Trinidade, enforcement officer for the county, has not been available on his job for some months. No facts available.

5.2  Nominations for Recording Secretary:

Crosby raised the possibility of taking on the role of recording secretary if someone else would like to be co-chair, or hiring someone to transcribe the meeting recordings, or asking a member to provide Action Minutes by filling in comments on the agenda. Christine Heinrichs volunteered to submit Action Minutes.

6.0  Unfinished Business

6.1  Recommend Locations for Required Tree Plantings:

Add Laylon Whitaker’s address, 3261 Pine Street, to the list for plantings.

7.0  Public Comments:

Laylon Whitaker attended the meeting and was heard first. Her home was affected by the FFRP’s removal of eucalyptus trees. She is very unhappy about the removal of the trees, which were originally planted in the 1930s as a wind break. She has pursued every agency without satisfaction. She finds the public sympathetic and the CCSD and FFRP dismissive. She was not notified of the removal, which was apparently done under a permit at least 10 years old. The removal shocked the community and remains contentious.

8.0  Adjournment

Next Meeting October 8, 2014

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August 2014 Minutes

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Christine Heinrichs

CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE

TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA

Minutes, August 13, 2014 Download pdf here Minutes August 2014

TIME:   6:30 PM

LOCATION:  Rabobank, 1070 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

1.0  Call to Order and Establish a Quorum: Members: Crosby Swartz; Laura Swartz; Rick Hawley; Mark Miller; JoEllen Butler; Amanda Rice. Others: Alan Peters of Cal Fire; Vari MacNeil of Beautify Cambria; Craig and Lynn Cuny; Kathe Tanner for the Cambrian.

2.0  Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting: Meeting was recorded but minutes are not available.

3.0  Treasurer’s Report: Laura, please insert here.

4.0  Sub-Committee Reports

4.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations:

Discussion of tree health. Public safety aspect of fire danger. The possibility that an entire generation of trees could be lost due to drought.

Cambrian Article on Drought – CFC Input

The committee offered various thoughts on saving trees to be included in Kathe’s article for the Cambrian. Trees can be watered. Trees stressed by drought are subject to disease and infestation.

Comment Letter on Water Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration:

Amanda Rice states that the Emergency Water Project is not growth inducing. She finds it difficult to get information from the District. Add comment letter to minutes.

PG&E Reliability Program Information:

Crosby Swartz was unable to get information on the Reliability Project. The continued absence of county enforcement officer Art Trinidade has ended communication with the county.

4.2 Forest Management

Eucalyptus Removal – Pros and Cons

JoEllen Butler defended the FFRP’s eucalyptus removal: that it was required as a condition of a $500,000 park grant from the County and was included in a permit for the park. She apologized for the failure to notify residents.  Craig and Lynn Cuny commented their dismay. “It’s a horror,” Mr. Cuny said.

FFRP Forest Maintenance Program:

Butler discussed the issues on the Preserve. Plantings done before adequate knowledge have grown into a crowded stand of trees that need to be thinned. FFRP has not yet hired a forester and is not looking to do so in the near future.

5.0  New Business

5.1  Comments on New Permit Applications:

None include forest impacts. Crawford, remodel upper deck and roof.

6.0  Unfinished Business

6.1  Recommend Locations for Required Tree Plantings:

After a lengthy discussion of the difficult issues, the committee deferred this discussion to September.

7.0  Public Comments:

Taken during the discussion of agenda items.

8.0  Adjournment

Next Meeting September 10, 2014

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2012 Meeting Minutes

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Swartz

June 2012 Meeting Minutes 

April 2012 Meeting Minutes

February 2012 Meeting Minutes

January 2012 Meeting Minutes

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