What is the focus of this project? 

Work will focus on roadside vegetation that is 15 feet above the road surface or less and up to 10 feet from road edges(edge of asphalt), within the Town’s right-of-way. Clearing vegetation and tree limbs from these areas will improve emergency responder access, reduce the amount of heat that evacuating residents might be exposed to during a fire, improve visibility, and expand the usable width of roadways on this main evacuation route. 

Will you be cutting down all my trees behind my property? 

No, the department, along with its contractors, will be leaving mature established trees (trees over 9 inches DBH). This project will focus on trimming individual tree limbs, shrubs, and other vegetation that overhangs the roadway. No mature trees will be removed unless a safety hazard is identified by a certified arborist and/or fire officials and it is determined that removal is the only safe option.  

Why does my bamboo need to be removed? 

Bamboo is considered a hazardous species in Marin County due to its significant wildfire threat. The plant is notorious for producing and distributing volatile embers. Due to the tightly grouped culms (or stems) they also harbor a good amount of dead materials that ignite easily. 

Will you be clear cutting the whole road? 

No, an effort will be made to retain certain ground covers (18 inches or shorter) along with our mature trees. Doing this provides separation from ground fuels, which are typically ready to ignite, and our mature trees. 

Why is the Town and Fire Department doing this project? 

This project is being conducted to reduce hazardous wildfire fuels and maintain safe evacuation routes for both our residents exiting the area and first responders who are entering the area. 

How will I know if I need to evacuate? 

Make sure you are opted into our County Emergency Alerts at AlertMarin.org. If you set your phone to Do Not Disturb or silence your ring tone, make sure you create a bypass for Alert Marin messages. In addition to Alert Marin, have a redundancy, such as a friend or neighbor that will check on you, a NOAA Weather Radio, or check emergency.marincounty.gov for current information. The Town may also use door knocks or Hi-Lo Sirens to help notify you to evacuate. Stay alert and aware of extreme fire weather days including Red Flag Days. If you receive notice to evacuate and time allows, notify your neighbors and ask them to do the same for you. Evacuations may be phased to limit the amount of traffic and cars on the road. Take only one car to help reduce traffic. 

We are all going to be stuck in traffic evacuating so why does this project matter? 

Yes. Evacuations will create a high traffic situation that moves slowly. It is always possible there will be traffic and confusion during an evacuation. Continue to follow the rules of the road unless otherwise directed by public safety personnel. Staying in your caron pavement, which offers protection from embers, radiant heat, and direct flames is likely the safest place, even if you are stuck in traffic. This project will help to reduce the amount of radiant heat and direct flames that could be experienced in an evacuation.