California counties launch Pacific Veg Map to enhance wildfire risk assessment

The Orinda City Council meeting on March 4, 2025, spotlighted a significant initiative aimed at enhancing wildfire preparedness through advanced geospatial mapping. The Tuckman geospatial maps, also known as the Pacific Veg Map, are being developed in collaboration with Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, primarily funded by a Cal Fire grant to the East Bay Regional Parks. This project focuses on modeling various vegetation communities to create detailed fire maps that predict fire behavior and spread.

During the meeting, council members discussed the importance of these maps, which are publicly available as open-source information. They are being utilized not only by private entities but also by local fire districts in their GIS mapping efforts. The discussion highlighted the need for community involvement in "ground truthing" specific areas, such as San Pablo Creek, to ensure accurate representation of local vegetation types.

While the Tuckman maps share similarities with previous proposals, such as one by Dr. Radke, they differ in scope and detail. The Tuckman project aims for broader coverage across the state, with completed maps for Marin and Sonoma Counties, and Contra Costa County expected to finalize its data in 2025. The council acknowledged the potential implications of these maps for city planning, particularly regarding vegetation management and wildfire risk mitigation.

As the project progresses, the council plans to further explore how this information can inform decisions on vegetation removal and other fire safety measures, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific data into local governance. The anticipated outcomes of this initiative could significantly enhance Orinda's resilience against wildfires, making it a critical topic for future discussions.