The East Bay Regional Park District's hazardous tree removal and fuel mitigation project at Redwood Regional Park's East Ridge Trail has ended for the remainder of 2008. East Ridge Trail is open for use during normal hours by trail users. The Park District will spread native grass seed and take other measures to improve soil stability and reduce the potential for erosion in disturbed areas. The project will resume in summer 2009 along the south side of the trail.

 

The purpose of the project was to thin aging Monterey pine and eucalyptus trees along the trail, and to create a safer and healthier forest environment. In addition, the thinning of weak and older trees provided a safer path for park users, enhanced fire protection, and improved growing conditions for native plants. This section of trail is popular for hikers, runners, dog walkers, cyclists, equestrians, and children on bikes and in strollers.

The project was equally funded by Measure CC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Measure CC is a 2004 parcel tax passed by voters in the western half of the East Bay Regional Park District for park access, wildfire protection, public safety and environmental maintenance.