Council adopts emergency ban on tree removal in mapped wildlife habitats after reported monarch grove damage

The San Buenaventura City Council adopted an emergency ordinance making it unlawful to remove or trim trees located within mapped protected wildlife habitats, including areas identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the city’s general‑plan monarch overwintering map. The emergency action follows a reported incident of tree removal at an overwintering site and is intended to prevent further rapid removals while staff develops a permanent tree‑protection ordinance.

Parks Director Stacy Zerzua and parks staff explained that the ordinance targets trees within mapped critical habitats and the general‑plan monarch overwintering areas. The draft defines protected wildlife and habitat, lists mapping sources, and requires corrective action and replacement plantings where unlawful removals occur. Staff also described exceptions that require permit review — for example, certified‑arborist findings for dead or hazardous trees, fire‑safety responses with fire‑department documentation, insurance denials with documentation, substantial hardship claims supported with evidence, or public‑purpose work. Staff said public agencies and the city are exempt from the municipal ordinance when acting within their jurisdictional authority.

The ordinance originally proposed per‑tree fines in ranges comparable to other jurisdictions; after lengthy public comment and debate about deterrence and repeat offenders, Councilmember Duran offered an amendment to increase potential fines. Council adopted the ordinance as amended (detailed in the actions array below) on a 6–1 vote, with Council Member McReynolds opposed. Councilmembers emphasized notifying property owners inside mapped habitat areas, coordinating with California Department of Fish & Wildlife, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the California Coastal Commission as needed, and returning with a permanent ordinance in May.

Public commenters — including local conservationists, wildlife experts and neighbors — urged stronger penalties, restoration requirements, performance bonds and use of multiple mapping datasets (Xerces, CDFW BIOS/CNDDB, USFWS maps and the adopted general‑plan map). Staff committed to proactive outreach to residents and tree‑service companies in the identified areas and to coordinate with state and federal wildlife authorities on site‑specific restoration and enforcement.

Representative quote: Ventura parks staff said the emergency measure was necessary to "discourage the rapid removal or trimming of trees in such habitats while a permanent tree protection ordinance is being developed."