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CC SR 20191119 04 - PVPLC Grant Request for Acacia Removal and Mustard Mowing RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 11/19/2019 AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business AGENDA DESCRIPTION: Consideration and possible action to approve a proposal from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for a grant of up to $307,200 for removing acacia plants and mowing dry brush (including mustard) and grasses in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: (1) Receive and file the grant request from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy; (2) Approve a grant of $307,200 for removing acacia plants and mowing dry brush (including mustard plants) and grasses in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve; (3) Authorize an additional appropriation of $307,200 for the requested grant; (4) Alternately discuss and take other action related to this item. FISCAL IMPACT: $307,200 Amount Budgeted: $200,000 Additional Appropriation: $307,200 Account Number(s): 101-400-3230-5201 (General Fund - Fuel Modification/Repair & Maintenance Services) ORIGINATED BY: James O'Neill, Engineering Assistant REVIEWED BY: Elias Sassoon, Director of Public Works APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: A. Proposal from Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Page A-1) BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: The City Council awarded a grant to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) on September 3, 2019 for fuel load reduction in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve for an amount of $200,000. That work is nearly complete, with great success. With the City Council prioritizing efforts to address the threat of wildfires, PVPLC, in coordination with City staff, is requesting an additional grant for an amount of $307,200 for fuel reduction of an additional 47 acres in the Nature Preserve (Attachment A). This grant will fund work beyond annual contracted efforts, furthers work completed under the previous grant, and is expected to be completed within 6-8 weeks. Specifically, it would cover the removal of Acacia in targeted areas in:  The Vicente Bluffs Reserve (by Oceanfront Estates); 1  The Forrestal Reserve (along Forrestal Drive);  The San Ramon Reserve; and  The Portuguese Bend Reserve (and along Burma Road, the Peppertree Trail, the western portion of the Ishibashi Farm Trail and north of Vanderlip Drive) As noted in the proposal, PVPLC has identified the priority removal of Acacia shrubs due to their combustible nature (Acacia shrub contain an estimated 90% dry plant matter and volatile resins) and their prevalence throughout the Pre serve and border areas. Acacia has been identified by the Los Angeles County Fire Department as a high-hazard plant. The work would also include the removal of dry mustard and non -native grasses within the Filiorum, Three Sisters, and San Ramon reserves. Staff is pleased with the work performed to date by PVPLC and its contracted vendors, and recommends the City Council approve PVPLC’s request. ALTERNATIVES: In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following action is available for the City Council consideration: 1. Take other action as deemed appropriate by the City Council. 2 1 Proposal to the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Continued Fuel Load Reduction in 2019 Submitted by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Updated: November 1, 2019 The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Conservancy) is intimately aware of the fire concerns within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, and has discussed measures to reduce fire risk with City staff. Conservancy staff members are currently working with City staff to implement fuel modification work as required by County Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures as part of landowner responsibilities for fuel modification near adjacent homes. Additionally, the Conservancy clears over 90 acres of weeds in restoration sites within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and clears 30+ miles of trails annually. This weeding approach is very specialized and must be accomplished while complying with the NCCP/HCP implementation guidelines and respecting the natural resources on the preserve. The Conservancy understands that the City and community desires to prioritize efforts to reduce vegetation fuel load in Preserve areas, particularly the proliferation of non-native plants, and that this vegetation exists beyond current fuel mod zones that pose fire threat. Therefore, the Conservancy is offering technical expertise to aid the City by augmenting staff efforts to reduce fuel load vegetation by targeting the removal of invasive plants such as Acacia. This in turn improves habitat for local wildlife, including the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and the cactus wren, a state species of concern. This proposal outlines the potential areas for this continued 2019 work. The areas identified in the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve includes the Oceanfront Estates area, Peppertree trail, Ishibashi Farm West trail, as well as areas along Burma Road in Portuguese Bend, and along Forrestal Drive in Forrestal Nature Reserve. In addition, we also propose the mowing of various areas within the nature preserve that are predominantly dry brush and grasses. In total, 47 acres are proposed for fuel load reduction in the Preserve. This work can be completed in 6-8 weeks by simultaneously contracting with two crews for Acacia removal and using conservancy staff for strategic mowing to optimize timing during fire season. For these additional efforts, the Conservancy requests a one-time grant from the city for up to $307,200 for the proposed work outlined herein. The Conservancy understands the city’s timing considerations and would be prepared to begin the work as soon as funding is made available. The Conservancy has identified the priority removal of tall Acacia shrubs due to their combustible nature (Acacia shrub contain an estimated 90% dry plant matter and volatile resins) and their prevalence throughout the Preserve and border areas. The locations for the proposed A-1 2 Acacia removal were chosen due to prior fires occurring in those areas, proximity to power lines and risk to the community as well as the ecological benefits of invasive plant removal. Fire agencies agree that Acacia is a highly flammable plant and that it should be removed wherever possible. It was included as a high-hazard plant in the L.A. County Fire Department’s recently published “Ready! Set! Go!” pamphlet. The Conservancy, as Habitat Managers for the Preserve, has qualified experts on staff with the experience required to oversee the work to be performed and will assure the correct and safe removal of the invasive plants using the best techniques at the most efficient cost. As in other grants, all vendor work would provide invoices and copies of the invoices would be sent to the city for reimbursement to the Conservancy (as in other grants). The results of this work will be reflected in the annual report provided to the city at year-end to show results from the work performed. Where possible and with simpler tasks, volunteers and/or goats will be deployed to augment the work volume and control costs. In ongoing maintenance activities, the Conservancy has created internship and volunteer opportunities for invasive plant management to keep the Acacia from re-invading the areas and to assist in monitoring activities. The Conservancy was recently awarded a grant to fund five modest stipends for internships by an environmental foundation, which will focus on the Fuel load Reduction Project. In this way, additional valuable learning opportunities will be made available to local youth. As projects are completed and conditions are assessed, restoration in these locations may be appropriate and funding may be pursued, since this proposal does not include replanting in the Acacia removal sites. A-2 3 Vanderlip North Approximately 8 acres Recently, the Portuguese Bend Community Association sent local stakeholders, including the Conservancy, a letter regarding fire hazards abutting their community. The Conservancy recognizes the large Acacia stands in the area present fuel load detrimental to residents and habitat. The location is approximately 8 acres of Acacia mixed with native shrubs and trees in the southwest corner of the Portuguese Bend Reserve. The site can be accessed through Vanderlip Drive and through the annually mowed fuel modification zones. It is recommended that crews carefully enter the area with smaller machinery to minimize impacts to the preserve. Acacia will be chipped and biomass will be taken off site to the maximum extent possible. The stumps will need to be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will need to be monitored for seed germination and removal. Vanderlip North – Approximately 8 acres A-3 4 Oceanfront Estates Approximately 5 acres Oceanfront Estates is located within the Vicente Bluffs Reserve. Over the years, Acacia has grown into less accessible areas and mature stands of the shrub now exist. The Ocean Front Estates HOA has expressed great concern over the tremendous growth of Acacia in the Preserve and HOA area. It is recommended that crews enter the area though access points agreeable to the HOA on foot and with smaller equipment as needed. Acacia will be chipped and biomass will be taken off site to the maximum extent possible. The stumps will be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will need to be monitored for seed germination and removal. This site is known habitat of the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and the cactus wren, a state species of concern and it is adjacent to the habitat of the endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly and El Segundo blue butterfly. Via Del Cielo and Calle Viento area A-4 5 Paseo De La Luz area Golden Cove Trail A-5 6 Burma Road Approximately 5 acres Burma Road is located within Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve. This trail provides primary access for maintenance and emergency vehicles through the preserve. These Acacias are located along the road and below powerlines. The Acacia identified can be accessed along Burma Road trail which will allow crews to minimally enter habitat areas off trail. Removed trees will be chipped and biomass will be taken off site to the maximum extent possible. The stumps will be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will be monitored for seed germination and removal. The Acacia in this area covers an approximate area of 5 acres. This site is known habitat of the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren, a state species of concern. Burma Road at Kelvin Canyon Trail A-6 7 Burma Road at Water Tank Trail Burma Road at Toyon Trail A-7 8 Forrestal Drive Approximately 1 acre Forrestal Drive is located adjacent to Forrestal Reserve. Forrestal Drive serves as the main access route for the adjacent soccer fields and also serves as a main artery to the Forrestal trail heads. Along this road, many Acacias have begun to grow into mature stands within the Preserve. The Acacia identified will be accessed from Forrestal Drive which will allow crews to minimally enter habitat areas off trail. Removed trees will be chipped and biomass will be taken off site. The stumps will be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will need to be monitored for seed germination and removal. This site is known habitat of the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and the cactus wren, a state species of concern and it is adjacent to the habitat of the endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly. Forrestal Drive A-8 9 San Ramon Reserve Approximately 2 acres San Ramon Reserve is located within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve along Palos Verdes Drive East. There are large stands of Acacia alongside the road which are potential ignition sources. The Acacia site can be accessed along Palos Verdes Drive East and through a predetermined access point in the reserve. It is recommended that crews carefully enter the area avoiding habitat impacts. Acacia will be chipped and biomass will be taken off site to the maximum extent possible. The stumps will be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will be monitored for seed germination and removal. This site is known habitat of the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and the cactus wren, a state species of concern and it is adjacent to the habitat of the endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly. San Ramon Reserve A-9 1 Peppertree Trail Approximately 3 acres Peppertree Trail is located within the Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve and is a continuation of the prior Acacia removal project, in close proximity to the Portuguese Bend community. The site can be accessed through Narcissa Drive, Vanderlip Trail and Peppertree Trail. Acacia will be cut and chipped and biomass will be taken off site to the maximum extent possible. The stumps will be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will need to be monitored for seed germination and removal Peppertree Trail A-10 1 Ishibashi Farm West Approximately 7 acres Ishibashi Farm West holds one of the largest and densest Acacia stands within the Portuguese Bend Reserve. The stand surrounds Ishibashi Farm Trail and is east of the Portuguese Bend Community. The site can be accessed from Ishibashi Farm Trail. Acacia will be cut and chipped and biomass will be taken off site to the maximum extent possible. The stumps will be treated to prohibit any regrowth and the site will need to be monitored for seed germination and removal. Ishibashi Farm Trail West A-11 1 Dry Brush Mowing Approximately 16 acres In response to community concerns about the vast expanse of dry mustard and non-native grasses within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, the Conservancy will oversee and implement mowing. We anticipate 11 work days of mowing which will consist of tractor mowing and manual weed removal, tailored to each specific site conditions (ie. topography, access and vegetation). Sites targeted for mowing are located within Filiorum, Three Sisters, and San Ramon Reserves. Filiorum at Kelvin Canyon A-12 1 Three Sisters at McCarrel Canyon A-13 1 San Ramon above Palos Verdes Drive East A-14 10 Budget The budget reflects a typical detailed tree and shrub removal project within the preserve with minimal disturbance to native habitat and to the surrounding vegetation. Careful non-native tree removals proposed in this project, increase the habitat value for the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren, a state species of concern, as well as other native species while providing public benefit. These costs reflect competitive bids acquired from three different arborist companies, the estimated time it would take the contractors to complete the project using hand tools and machinery to either chip tree material or haul plant material offsite, stump treat the cut Acacia to prevent regrowth, and oversight by Conservancy biologists to assure that best management practices are implemented (ie. minimization and avoidance measures such as nesting bird surveys as required by the NCCP/HCP). These costs are based on best estimates provided by contractors for day rates to remove the 31 acres of Acacia targeted for removal since the exact number of labor hours required to achieve the project are speculated. If the projects are completed under budget, the Acacia removal areas will be expanded to appropriately targeted areas which generate the most impact, with approval from the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. If any cost savings are possible, an expanded area will create a bigger impact to the fuel load on the peninsula and concurrently increase habitat on the preserve. Fuel Load Reduction Budget Site Acres Work Days* Budget Vanderlip North 8 32 $96,000 Oceanfront Estates 5 20 $60,000 Burma Road 5 10 $30,000 Forrestal 1 2 $6,000 San Ramon 2 5 $15,000 Peppertree 3 8 $24,000 Ishibashi Farm West 7 21 $63,000 Acacia Total 31 98 $294,000 Tractor and Spot Mowing 16 11 $13,200 Total 47 109 $307,200 *Crew-Day rate for Acacia removal is the time for one crews and rental costs for equipment, as well as PVPLC staff time to monitor biological resources and birds and manage the contractors per day. These services total $3000 per crew-day, with the amount of days per project area estimated with consideration of access, mixed vegetation, topography and overall difficulty of removal in each area. Removal may range from ½ to ¼ acre of Acacia removal per day per crew. Multiple arborists/tree trimmers and crews will be contracted simultaneously to address Acacia removal in multiple project areas for fast project implementation with the goal to finish by March 2020 (considering no work on holidays and weekends). A-15 11 Other Project Considerations This project is based on competitive bids and is a worthwhile investment into the long-term benefit of the communities alongside to the open space and wildlife within. While more costly per acre to implement new, labor-intensive work than annual fuel modification weed whacking efforts, removing Acacia is a positive, visible impact to the landscape and a one-time project cost to the City in these target areas. This is unlike areas of mustard which, while needed to reduce fire threat, require annual treatment and ongoing maintenance costs. To help ensure this investment is successful, the Conservancy is offering to provide pro-bono staff and volunteer monitoring of areas to prevent regrowth. This project strategy is supported by the Fire Department, which has identified Acacia removal as a priority effort to reduce fire fuel load in the Preserve. This project is also responding to the Portuguese Bend Community Association’s request to respond to nuisance Acacia near homes on the Preserve border. Community Partnerships As part of the Conservancy’s collaborative approach, we partner with various organizations to complete projects and provide various benefits to the community. If the timing and logistics are appropriate, we would work with some of our partner organizations to add to the costs savings. We work with the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens which accept fresh Acacia greenery for the enhancement of their animal’s physical and mental health. We will save many of the straight long branches from the Acacia tree for delineation of trails and to provide ground snags for lizards and insects. We also have a partnership with the local schools that offer woodworking classes for instructional teaching. Lastly, we will use the chipped woods as a mulch to keep weeds down into the future, and monitor for any seed germination. The Conservancy will also engage the local colleges with applicable internships which allow students to gain a better understanding of the natural world, resource management and gain experience to prepare to enter the workforce. In 2019 to date, the Conservancy has received over 1000 hours of intern assistance with projects, and counting. By engaging these students who span from across the globe, we are creating a lasting experience and leaving a lasting impression of the great natural habitat that exists on the peninsula. Potential for Restoration and Supplemental Work As these three projects are completed, the cleared land can provide opportunity for habitat restoration and enhancement. A species that is potentially applicable to many of the local habitat types of Palos Verdes, is our local cactus. While no plant is fireproof, there are certain characteristics which make some plants more resistive to fire, such as cactus. Where applicable, A-16 12 cactus can be planted and maintained until establishment, if supplemental funding is available. Mature cactus holds a mutual relationship with the cactus wren, a state species of concern, since the cacti needles protect young nestlings from predators, providing the best habitat. To make a larger impact, the Conservancy typically plants mature cactus that is appropriate for immediate nesting, giving us more value per dollar spent. The approximate cost for planting and maintaining a 1 acre cactus restoration project over a 5 year span is $30,000. Although the target species for these projects is Acacia, due to the large footprint that it holds and its explosive nature in fire situations, removal of other species holds value as well. Mustard and non-native grasses also pose a fuel load risk. In addition to the removal of Acacia, the Conservancy will continue to remove mustard and Acacia in appropriate locations with the help of volunteers, goats and/or mechanical equipment. The Conservancy continues to pursue funding for these types of projects that have multi-benefits with a priority for human safety while minimizing the impacts to biological resources, where appropriate. A-17