Two pile burns are tentatively planned for Feb. 10-12 in Ben Lomond and Scotts Valley on Land Trust of Santa Cruz County land and easement properties.
The 12-acre project in Ben Lomond is toward the south end of Hihn Road, and the 6-acre project in Scotts Valley is near the cross street of Bean Creek Road and Greenwood Street.
The exact dates the burns occur will depend on weather conditions. Ignitions are expected to take two to three days, and signs will be posted near the project areas.
These prescribed pile burns aim to reduce fuel loads, recycle nutrients and enhance habitat for special status species.
“The piles will be burned carefully by experienced prescribed fire practitioners, biologists and fire professionals,” officials stated. “All activities will be conducted in accordance with Cal Fire and Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) permits.”
Prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than wildfires. Smoke may be visible around the project areas and is no cause for concern.
This work is funded by a Cal Fire Forest Health Grant in cooperation with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, private landowners, the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, Terra Fuego Resource Foundation, Jodi McGraw Consulting, CalFire CZU, Zayante Fire Department, and Scotts Valley Fire District.
