DATE: January 29, 2008
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Supporting the State's Vegetation Management Program
SUMMARY:
Vegetation management is one of the most effective ways to better protect lives and property from an out-of-control wildfire. Whether it is adequate defensible space around structures, removing dead and dying trees, conducting prescribed burns or maintaining fire breaks, defending homes and communities from fire is more successful when government agencies better manage the vegetative fuel that threatens the region.
Cal Fire has in place an aggressive vegetation management program, but their resources are stretched to the limit as they pursue fuel treatment projects while also carrying out property inspections. Given the enormous impact that reducing dangerous brush has on improving fire safety, it is essential that additional resources are provided to Cal Fire to support this necessary function. In addition, there has been an effort for the past few years, led by State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, to change the State Code to increase the allowable defensible space around homes and structures from 100 feet to 300 feet. The County has been on record in support of this effort. It is long overdue for State Legislators to finally approve this proposal.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Vice Chairwoman Dianne Jacob and Supervisor Pam Slater-Price
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter to be signed by the Chair of the Board, letting the Governor and the local State delegation know the Board’s support for increased funding and additional staffing for Cal Fire’s vegetation management program so that high risk fire areas benefit from an expansion of the program, which includes prescribed burns, fire breaks, and property inspections.
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to also include in the letter the Board’s support for changing the State Code to increase the allowable defensible space around homes and structures from 100 feet to 300 feet.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
Vegetation management is one of the most effective ways to better protect lives and property from an out-of-control wildfire. Whether it is adequate defensible space around structures, removing dead and dying trees, conducting prescribed burns or maintaining fire breaks, defending homes and communities from fire is more successful when government agencies better manage the vegetative fuel that threatens the region.
Cal Fire has in place an aggressive vegetation management program, but their resources are stretched to the limit as they pursue fuel treatment projects while also carrying out property inspections. Given the enormous impact that reducing dangerous brush has on improving fire safety, it is essential that additional resources are provided to Cal Fire to support this necessary function. In addition, there has been an effort for the past few years, led by State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, to change the State Code to increase the allowable defensible space around homes and structures from 100 feet to 300 feet. The County has been on record in support of this effort. It is long overdue for State Legislators to finally approve this proposal.
Today’s action directs the Chief Administrative Officer to draft a letter to be signed by the Chair of the Board, letting the Governor and the local State delegation know the Board’s support for increased funding and additional staffing for Cal Fire’s vegetation management program, and changing the State Code to increase the allowable defensible space from 100 feet to 300 feet. We urge your support.
Respectfully submitted,
DIANNE JACOB
Vice Chairwoman
PAM SLATER-PRICE
Supervisor, Third District