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Alameda Creek Alliance urges PUC to refuse Caltrans easements after tree removals in Niles Canyon
Summary
At public comment the Alameda Creek Alliance and Tuolumne River Trust urged SFPUC to resist further Caltrans land transfers and to protect trout habitat after recent tree removals on former PUC land; staff said it is compiling the project's history and will work with advocates and provide a written response.
At the public comment portion of the April 12 SFPUC meeting, Jeff Miller of the Alameda Creek Alliance asked the commission to oppose further Caltrans requests for easements in Niles Canyon and to protect native trout habitat after recent tree removals.
Miller told the commission that Caltrans is pursuing an $80–$90 million widening of State Route 84 that he said would damage miles of restored trout habitat, involve filling portions of the creek and construction of retaining walls, and would remove hundreds of trees. "Phase 1, they've already cut about a 100 native trees right next to the creek," Miller said, and he called Caltrans' environmental review inadequate. He asked the SFPUC to refuse new easements for phase 2 and to require Caltrans to take eminent‑domain steps if they want the land.
PUC staff acknowledged the issue and described efforts to compile the administrative record and project history, which staff said dates back to 2005. A staff representative said the commission has been on the record that it is concerned about phase 2 impacts and that staff will work with the Alameda Creek Alliance and provide a written response to Miller's letter.
Peter Drechmeier of the Tuolumne River Trust also voiced concern about Caltrans' work and offered to coordinate with local groups to demand accountability.
The commission did not take action at the meeting but staff said it will assemble the history and report back to commissioners and to the public.
