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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Meeting Minutes Archive – 2006 – 2007 – 2008

Posted on July 11, 2011 by WebMaven

Click below to download the meeting minutes from 2006, 2007 and/or 2008 Cambria Forest Committee meetings.

2006 CFC Minutes Archive

2007 CFC Minutes Archive

2008 CFC Minutes Archive

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May 2010 Meeting Minutes

Posted on May 31, 2010 by WebMaven

Cambria Forest Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2010

Rabobank Meeting Room
1070 Main St. Cambria, Calif.

Directors Present: Brad Seek, Rob Trask, Crosby Swartz, Laura Swartz, Kathe , Mark Miller, Amanda Rice, Bill Schassberger, Tim O’Keefe, Rick Hawley.

Guests Present: Bruce Gibson, Bob Putney, Alan Peters, Kathe Tanner.

1.0    Meeting called to order 6:03pm
2.0    April 14th minutes approved Schassberger/Trask Unan.
3.0    Treasurer’s Rpt. There is currently $2452.04 in the bank account

4.0 Sub Committee Rpts. Information/Action
4.1 Education/Planting/Mitigation
Dir. Hawley held workshops on April 27th  but no contract workers showed up(Lot Clearing). Dir. Miller(Fire Chief) believes that all the workers have already received training. Dir. Schassberger emphasized the before and after photos taken on  cleared lots will indicate whether the workers are being trained.
PG&E Mitigation: Dir. Rice  C. Aispero to look into whether PG&E applied for a permit. Dir. Hawley contacted Lynn Cullen(PG&E). The utility will have to mitigate for 300 trees($7500) and would like to work with CFC to help implement the mitigation. CFC will accept the $7500 from PG&E to mitigate the 300 trees(Schassberger/O’Keefe)unanimous. Art Trinidade (Co. Code Enf.) will be contacted on how the money can be spent to satisfy the mitigation compliance.
Survey Costs: Dir. Hawley received a bid from an appraiser of $5000 to survey a 4.5 ac. Parcel proposed for open space.
Suitable Lots for planting: Dir. Rathbun and Mr. Clift not present for the update.
4H involvement: Mr. Covell not present for the update.

4.2 Forest Mgt.Plan/ Sup. Bruce Gibson
Dir. Hawley suggested that an implemented Forest Management Plan could be funded by forming an independent district, a district associated with CCSD, or a CSA
Mr. Gibson stated that he has supported districts and will in the future. Gibson further stated that a district may function better if it is aligned with an existing agency such as the CCSD. The CCSD could be the agency that processes the requirements of Prop. 218. He pointed out that special districts run the risk of becoming inadequately managed, staffed, and/or financed.
Mr. Gibson asked about the area to be covered by the district, the goals of the FMP,  the public benefit, funding, and district responsibilities.
Dir. Hawley stated that a district would probably cover the Urban Reserve Line (URL). The URL would then be divided into management units with an emphasis on those units that require the greatest need. Other parts of the forest that are owned privately could also be included.
Dir. Hawley stated that the goal of a Forest Management District(FMD) would be the sustainability and regeneration of the forest, addressing hazardous trees, managing fuel load….The public benefit would include: managing wildlife, reducing fire hazards(resulting in affordable property insurance) maintaining a healthy forest which could improve property values….
Mr. Gibson emphasized the reduction of fire hazards as clearly being a public benefit and may be a good organizing principle in which to justify a district and to work cooperatively with the CCSD.
Dirs. Schassberger, Hawley, and Trask stated that an FMD could relieve County Code Enforcement responsibilities pertaining to the Cambria forest. Also, an FMD could take on more of the fuel reduction responsibilities currently being done by Cambria Fire.
Dir. Hawley emphasized the need for a professional Forester/ecologist to implement this program.
Mr. Gibson pointed out the City of San Luis Obispo’s Natural Resources Management section as a possible model for the FMD. Other models are possible but all would have to adhere to state statutes.
Mr. Gibson would ask County Council to review and comment on  a drafted model of the FMD assuming that they had the authority to do so.
Dir. Hawley suggested that and FMD would have a sunset provision which would allow the public to decide whether or not to continue the program after a few years.

4.3 Annual Lot Clearing
Dir. Miller passed around the time frame schedule.   The number of lots to be addressed for 2010 is 1852. 15 lots merged with improved properties and will be under Cal Fire jurisdiction. Capt. Bitto will be getting out more to make sure parcels are being flagged and that before and after photos are being taken.

5.0    New Business
Dir. Miller stated that the proposal to remove fallen trees on the Fiscalini Ranch using a Masticator was dropped. Dir. Trask asked to review this proposal using another piece of equipment that would have less impact such as a spider. The area could be small enough to qualify as a test plot. Dir. Miller stated that this could be looked at during the next funding cycle (December/January). Mr. Peters stated that a demonstration project from a private contractor might be a possibility in the interim. Dir. Hawley stated that PG&E might have money available to fund the demo.
Dir. O’Keefe announced that UC extension will be holding a demonstration using wildlife trail cameras on 5/25 at 8am in San Miguel(Miller ranch).

6.0    Dir. L. Swartz contacted Co. Public Works to attend a meeting that could put some of the Fern Cyn area on the list for undergrounding power lines. This area should qualify as a special circumstance.
Dir. Schassberger contacted Art Trinidade re: having a tree removed without a permit and is not hazardous to a structure. He was advised that the Sheriff should be called and photograph the tree(s) in question as evidence.
Dir. Miller stated that the Eucalyptus removal project was canceled.

7.0    Meeting adjourned. 8:12pmTrask/Seek

Next scheduled meeting at the Rabobank  June 9, 2010  6pm.

Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek

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April 2010 Meeting Minutes

Posted on April 30, 2010 by WebMaven

Cambria Forest Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2010

Rabobank Meeting Room
1070 Main St. Cambria, Calif.

Directors Present: Brad Seek, Rob Trask, Crosby and Laura Swartz, Bill Schassberger, Tim O’Keefe, Art Trinidade, Rick Hawley, JoEllen Butler,

Guests Present: Kathe Tanner, Ralph Covell, Ben Boer, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Muril Clift, Erwin Ohannesian, Gee Gee Ashleck, Tommy Moreno.

1.0    Meeting called to order 6:05pm

2.0    April 14th 2010 minutes approved Trask/Swartz

3.0    Treasurers Rpt. $2577 in the Bank Account.

4.0    Sub Committee Rpts. Information/Action

4.1    Education/Planting/Mitigation
a.    Dir. Hawley  will be conducting an onsite training class(April 27th) to the lot clearing contractors with an emphasis on conserving native plants. Attendees will receive a certificate at the end of the 2hr. session.

b.    Collaboration proposal with potential PG&E  mitigation money. Dir. Hawley stated that Greenspace has been approached with a donation of approximately 5 acres of forested property. He asked the Board to consider funding the cost of a needed lot line adjustment and appraisal on this property. The land would be open to public benefit. Dir. Trinidade stated that Minor Use fees can be waved on a project like this. CFC Board members approved to be the recipient of PG&E Mitigation money possibly to pay for the survey. When the cost of doing the survey is known CFC will vote on weather to fund it. Schassberger/Trinidade.

c.    Update on lots suitable for planting trees. Dir. Schassberger stated that a list of eligible CCSD lots would be needed(mitigation)  in the event that there were a large number of seedlings  to be planted. Private owners could simply be contacted through the newspaper. Dir. Trinidade stated that the county prefers to have offsite mitigation planting on lots that have no development rights. Mr. Boer suggested the possibility of using the Fiscalini Ranch as an offsite mitigation property with public/Coastal Conservancy  approval and a change in the CC&r’s. Dir. Hawley suggested that the subcommittee search out the appropriate properties for mitigation planting and report back to the CFC Board.

d.    4H commitment to planting trees. Dir. Covell contacted the Outdoor Adventure group of 4H who expressed an interest in planting trees. Approximately 40 individuals would be involved.

4.2    Forest Management
a.    Funding a special district. Dir. Hawley contacted Julie Rodewald(Co. Recorder) re: an Assessment District. She provided some names from the State who might assist the Board on prop 218 requirements. Dir. Trinidade  reminded that Supr. Gibson will be attending the May meeting to discuss the matter. He also believed that a representative from Co. Public Works could offer some expertise on the subject.

b.    CCSD meeting issue. Dir. Hawley  was unable to address the Board in the last meeting due to some confusion in the way that the Cambria Fire Dept. arrived at the decision of removing Pine logs on Cambria properties.

4.3  Annual Lot Clearing   Dir. Miller is not present to discuss the revised annual letter to property owners. Dir. Hawley will ask the Fire Chief to email a copy of the letter to CFC Board members. Dir. Schassberger stated that the contents of the letter were rearranged to emphasize the conservation of seedlings and to leave logs 12” or greater in place. The Fire Chief later decided(after subcommittee meeting) that the larger logs will have to be removed. CCSD Dir. Clift  understands that the decision to remove the larger logs is because there is so much fuel on the ground this year. Kathe Tanner(Cambrian) will contact Chief Miller for further clarification.

5.0 New Business

Eucalyptus removal on public property.  Mr. Boer(FFRP Ranch Mgr.) stated that the project proposal has been scaled down to cover only the ranch on the west side of hwy 1. Approximately 72 trees will be removed in a specific area(50’x400’) along with other invasive plants and will be replaced with native vegetation. This is the current proposal and is pending approval from the funding agency(NOAA). Dir. Hawley suggested leaving the large trees as dead snags for nesting.  Consensus from CFC group on the proposal is favorable.

6.0    Public Comment. None.

7.0    Other

Mr. Covell stated that a Nature Conservancy representative is conducting a Fuel Model on the pine forest portion of his  ranch(Covell Ranch). He will inform CFC on the results of this study.

Tom Morena is doing a school project and is asking members  for any statistical information pertaining to the Monterey Pine Forest in Cambria.

Dir. Seek  will receive $125.00 reimbursement for the purchase of 1000 peat pots. The pots will hold  seedlings that will be planted on Fiscalini Ranch or other public places. Covell/Schassberger

Dir. Schassberger passed out copies of the CFC by-laws.

8.0    Adjournment  7:25pm Butler/Trask

Next Meeting will be May 12, 2010 at the Rabobank.

Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek

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