Weiler Road Fuel Management

The County of San Mateo (“County”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 mi ² and is home to approximately 750,000 residents. The County is made up of 20 incorporated cities. The County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education, and transportation. The County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare, and natural resources of the community.

The San Mateo County Parks Department (“Department”) serves nearly three million visitors every year. Visitors have many options when visiting the County’s unique park system. With 24 parks and recreation areas, over 16,000 acres of park land, and 190 miles of trail, the Department provides healthy outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and lasting memories.

Due to the diversity of the park system, visitors can enjoy an array of recreational opportunities, including walking; running; hiking; biking; picnicking; horseback riding; sailing; kite surfing; fishing; camping; gardening; tidepooling; volunteering; learning; sports courts; and playing on playgrounds.

Understory fuels reduction to reduce the vertical and horizontal continuity of wildfire fuels across 3 acre area along Weiler Ranch Road via mechanical mastication and manual hand removal methods. North of Weiler Ranch Road, approximately 2 acre, brush (including poison oak) and trees less than 12” in diameter shall be removed and chipped, or masticated in place, up to 100’ from the edge of road. South of Weiler, approximately 1 acre, brush and trees less than 10” in diameter shall be removed and chipped by hand within 25’ of the roadway. All debris generated by the project shall be chipped and hauled from site. Debris generated by mechanical mastication may remain if less than 3” in diameter and in lengths less than 4’. Area to be treated shall run approximately from the West property boundary near Oddstadt Boulevard to the Valley View trail head. On the south side of Weiler the project shall run from the western property boundary to the San Pedro Valley Park shop. All stumps shall be cut to near ground level, no more than 3” above natural grade. Eucalyptus and other invasive woody vegetation shall be treated with herbicide to reduce likelihood of resprouting.

A small stand of eucalyptus across from the San Pedro Valley Shop entrance, approximately 20 trees, shall be removed completely. The majority of this stand is between 10-15” in diameter (estimated). A small number, may exceed 20” in diameter. All debris shall be hauled from site, unless otherwise directed by Ranger staff. Stumps to be treated with herbicide.

Six larger diameter eucalyptus on the south side of the project area (between Weiler Ranch Road and San Pedro Creek) shall be removed to reduce falling limb hazards and continue restoration of the creek corridor. Trees will be tagged and marked with orange paint. All debris shall be removed from site unless otherwise directed by Ranger staff. Stumps shall be treated with herbicide.

Work will require careful planning to reduce risk of conflict with primary distribution lines along Weiler Ranch Road. Contractors may need to consider power shut-off or using equipment capable of working within minimum approach distances of energized conductors.

Understory fuels management performed on the south side of the road shall be done by hand to reduce amount of soil disturbance above the creek. Removal of logs and debris from larger tree removals will likely require access with a crane.