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Residents and Sierra Club press Palo Alto to replace eucalyptus in preserves; staff says phased replanting is planned
Summary
Public commenters and the Sierra Club raised concerns after recent eucalyptus removals in Foothills and Esther Clark parks. Staff said removals reduce fire fuel and that replanting with native, drought-tolerant species is planned in a phased effort overseen by urban forestry and park rangers, with some initial plantings already installed.
Residents and environmental advocates told the Parks and Recreation Commission they want replacement plantings after recent eucalyptus removals in the city's nature preserves, while staff said a phased replanting plan is in development.
During public comment, Doria (last name not given) thanked staff for removing eucalyptus trees in "sensitive locations like Esther Clark Park" but urged that the removed trees be replaced with resilient native species because the trees provided habitat and canopy. "I just wanna emphasize the importance of replanting these trees with more resistant native species," the speaker said.
Dashiell Leeds, conservation coordinator for the Sierra Club's Loma Prieta (Lumber—Prieta) chapter, told the…
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