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Parks staff report $950,000 CalFire grant, storm damage and tree‑ordinance work
Summary
Monterey parks staff said the city received a $950,000 CalFire grant for fuel reduction, described storm response with 17 trees down and seven road closures, and reported a draft tree ordinance under internal review; commenters urged caution on eucalyptus removal and herbicide use.
City parks staff told the Monterey Parks & Recreation Commission on Feb. 11 that City Council approved a $950,000 CalFire grant to continue fuel‑reduction work, and that the department used recent dry‑season scheduling and a biological survey to remove invasive species and debris ahead of winter storms.
“City Council just approved us being awarded $950,000 of grant from CalFire again,” Shannon said, adding the award will allow staff to expand in‑depth fuel‑reduction work while using NCIP money as the grant match. Staff said the grant rounds build on an earlier CalFire award and credited a CalFire liaison for helping the city demonstrate effective use of prior funds.
Staff reviewed storm impacts: within recent winter storms crews handled about 17 trees down (city and private), multiple power outages and seven road closures; crews and building‑maintenance responders worked overtime to protect park facilities. A temporary drainage fix at Hilltop’s top lot was completed and staff said a permanent repair to a failed pipe will be scheduled in coming weeks.
On vegetation management and policy, staff said they are drafting a tree ordinance and preparing related environmental review before bringing a first draft to City Council. The agenda materials described ongoing forest management and fuel‑reduction planning, and a staff representative said the NCIP committee previously recommended communitywide fuel‑reduction funding (two phases totaling roughly $1.8 million in committee slides).
Public commenters during the meeting urged restraint on removing mature trees and raised pesticide concerns: Laura Moffett told the commission she helped limit past herbicide spraying in city parks and urged continued use of non‑toxic options. “Green trees regardless of where they originated are a bulwark against wildfire because of the moisture they contribute to ground fuels,” she said during general public comment.
Why it matters: the CalFire funding will expand fuel‑reduction capacity, but public concern about tree removal, herbicide use and ecosystem impacts is active in neighborhoods. Staff stressed coordination with the fire department and use of grant funds to extend the city’s capacity for fuel management and contractor support.
What’s next: staff will advance the CalFire program work and the draft tree ordinance in tandem with environmental review and present proposals to City Council when ready.
