The Grant: UC’s Hill Campus: Wildland Vegetative Fuel Management Plan
BACKGROUND: In 2017, UC was awarded a $3.6 million grant from Cal Fire. UC proposed to treat vegetation in 250 acres in the upper parts of Strawberry and Claremont canyons to reduce wildfire hazard to its buildings and nearby homes, targeting areas forested with flammable eucalyptus and high fuel volume. UC also planned to create defensible space within 100 feet of roads, fire-trails, buildings, and homes and increase the reliability of the 150 KV transmission line that supplies power the campus and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
TIMELINE:
June 14, 2023—Court of appeals’ approval: UC Berkeley can finally cut down dozens of acres of trees.
May 3 2023—First District Court of Appeals - Oral Arguments Webcast
August 27, 2021—Conservancy files brief at Alameda County Superior Court.
February 8, 2021 — Chancellor signs off on EIR
January 29, 2021 — Final EIR released:
July 2020 — Wildland Vegetative Fuel Management Plan released
November 2019—Notice of Preparation and Initial Study. (See Conservancy comments here.)
July 2018 — Grant Proposal awarded by CalFire, UC Berkeley Hill Campus Fire Hazard Reduction
