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North County pilot removes hundreds of eucalyptus trees to expand defensible space; leaders urge funding for low‑income participation
Summary
A District 2 pilot funded by a $1 million Cal OES grant and 50–50 cost sharing removed an estimated 816 eucalyptus trees across 88 properties to reduce wildfire risk; staff recommend scaling the program countywide and directing additional funds to low‑income property owners.
Monterey County staff presented a final report on a North County eucalyptus tree removal pilot at the March 24 board meeting, describing the pilot’s methods, results and lessons for future wildfire mitigation efforts.
District staff said the pilot, developed with a $1 million Cal OES grant secured with assistance from Senator John Laird, required private property owners to pay 50 percent of removal costs while grant funds covered the remainder. Resource Conservation District staff handled fiscal and site verification responsibilities. The pilot opened three application windows in July–August 2024 and later, approving 91 applications for 88 unique properties.
Supervisor Church summarized the public‑safety rationale: "By eliminating eucalyptus trees from defensible space around buildings and driveways, fire threat would be significantly mitigated," he said. Program partners estimated roughly 816 mature eucalyptus were removed across the study area, with most work concentrated in the Prunedale area; common removal methods were chopping, mulching and stump treatments. Property owners typically accepted contractor quotes between $10,000 and $25,000; staff estimated large tree removals averaged about $2,000 per tree under the pilot model.
The report highlighted successes—a strong interagency partnership with Resource Conservation District, local fire districts and HCD; the 50/50 cost‑share model’s broad acceptance; and high constituent interest. Lessons learned included the need for dedicated funds to help owners who cannot afford a 50 percent share and the importance of environmental timing (avoiding bird‑nesting season) and monarch overwintering protections.
Board members praised the pilot and asked staff to pursue additional funding to expand the program countywide, with an emphasis on targeting low‑income homeowners and sites where trees pose public‑safety risks (e.g., obstructing evacuation routes). No funding was committed at the meeting; staff said they will continue to seek grants and legislative support and to evaluate options for a county‑wide program.
