La Honda Fuel Break Project
. Overview
CAL FIRE has envisioned a strategic 19 mile (approximately 100,000 feet) circular fuel break surrounding the community of La Honda to reduce the risk of fire. The San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD), working closely with CAL FIRE, will serve as project lead to plan, design, permit, and implement this fuel break to protect this vulnerable community and surrounding areas from fire.
La Honda is in the predominantly high-fire risk south coast region of San Mateo County. The local CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan) has identified it as a High Priority area for fire prevention work to protect the approximately 1000 residents, recreational lands (county parks, open preserves, youth camps), community services (humane society, juvenile services), community assets, ranches, and businesses, which are tucked within the forested landscape of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The RCD has brought together 21 private and public landowners and land managers to complete this fuel break and has the strong support of the community, Fire Safe San Mateo County, and government officials. The fuel break is expected to treat approximately 250 acres through the reduction of dense vegetation and removing ladder fuels (fuel that can carry fire into the trees canopy from the ground like a ladder) such as small-diameter trees and brush. In the event of a wildfire, this would provide safe access for fire engines and firefighting personnel, support the creation of firelines, and potentially slow the spread and lower fire intensity.
Timeline
- Project implementation: 2024 – 2025
Project Updates
- TBA
Partners
- CAL FIRE CZU
- La Honda Fire Brigade
- Cuesta La Honda Guild
- Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)
- San Mateo County Parks
- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD)
- Other public and private landowners and land managers
Funders
RCD contact: Eddie Sanchez
