The city of Sebastopol and the Gold Ridge Fire Protection District are working together to create a fire buffer in the city-owned property known as the Railroad Forest
Our walking group walked the trail yesterday and we were amazed. Really good for fire safety in my opinion. And given time and attention it will probably look beautiful.
I'm very happy to see that this work is being done. I've been to scared to walk down that portion of the trail because it was so over grown and full of homeless encampments. Yay Sebastopol and Gold Ridge Fire Dept.!!
The recent wildfire on the Coast north of Fort Ross proves the coastal areas are not immune from wildfire. Certainly, Sebastopol is at least equally at risk. Homeless campfires are a perfect source for ignition. The City Council received a notice that the eastern, western and southern borders of the city are at moderate risk of wildfire. Happy the Gold Ridge is taking an active role. Who know the city owned 10 acres of undeveloped land?
This land, the "Railroad Forest," was in part considered and analyzed for potential Library concept site. Some of this property reaches outside city limits and might be used for Laguna / Gravenstien Trail work. Due to its importance for our ecosystem, building on it or selling it creates numerous environmental issues. Saying this just to create awareness of its inclusion in all city property analysis. I am very excited to see it maintained for a firebreak and maybe this work will make the area better/safer for recreation.
Berkeley or UC (I think UC) used goats to clear out underbrush in the hills above it. So far as I know it was successful. When I lived in Camp Meeker I urged the volunteer firefighters organization to do the same, as the woods were overgrown with blackberries and poison oak. In a fire the latter would generate poisonous smoke and the two together would lead to crown fires. I made zero progress- I think because it was not 'manly' enough. Goats would seem to be an eco-friendly approach that would not lead to a temporary strip of bare dirt.
Thanks for your reporting and photos Laura. Much appreciated!! I haven’t walked down that trail for a long time, but I like that this work is being done.
Our walking group walked the trail yesterday and we were amazed. Really good for fire safety in my opinion. And given time and attention it will probably look beautiful.
I'm very happy to see that this work is being done. I've been to scared to walk down that portion of the trail because it was so over grown and full of homeless encampments. Yay Sebastopol and Gold Ridge Fire Dept.!!
The recent wildfire on the Coast north of Fort Ross proves the coastal areas are not immune from wildfire. Certainly, Sebastopol is at least equally at risk. Homeless campfires are a perfect source for ignition. The City Council received a notice that the eastern, western and southern borders of the city are at moderate risk of wildfire. Happy the Gold Ridge is taking an active role. Who know the city owned 10 acres of undeveloped land?
This land, the "Railroad Forest," was in part considered and analyzed for potential Library concept site. Some of this property reaches outside city limits and might be used for Laguna / Gravenstien Trail work. Due to its importance for our ecosystem, building on it or selling it creates numerous environmental issues. Saying this just to create awareness of its inclusion in all city property analysis. I am very excited to see it maintained for a firebreak and maybe this work will make the area better/safer for recreation.
Berkeley or UC (I think UC) used goats to clear out underbrush in the hills above it. So far as I know it was successful. When I lived in Camp Meeker I urged the volunteer firefighters organization to do the same, as the woods were overgrown with blackberries and poison oak. In a fire the latter would generate poisonous smoke and the two together would lead to crown fires. I made zero progress- I think because it was not 'manly' enough. Goats would seem to be an eco-friendly approach that would not lead to a temporary strip of bare dirt.
Thanks for your reporting and photos Laura. Much appreciated!! I haven’t walked down that trail for a long time, but I like that this work is being done.