CC SR 20200519 02 - Fuel Modification Revegetation Program
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/19/2020
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to implement a fuel modification revegetation pilot
program.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Review a proposed pilot program to revegetate three fuel modification areas
within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve; and,
(2) If acceptable, execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Palos
Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) to conduct the revegetation work
associated with the pilot program.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Amount Budgeted: $200,000
Additional Appropriation: $0
Account Number(s): 101-400-3230-5201
(General Fund - Fuel Modification, Repair & Maintenance Services)
ORIGINATED BY: James S. O’Neill, Project Manager
REVIEWED BY: Elias Sassoon, PE, Director of Public Works
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Staff report dated February 4, 2020 (Page A -1)
B. Fuel Modification map and associated table (Page B-1)
C. Proposal for revegetation of Fuel Modification areas 94, 95 and 96 (Page C-1)
D. MOU with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Page D-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On February 4, 2020, the City Council received and filed a presentation on an update to
the Fuel Modification Plan approved by the City Council in 2019 (Attachment A). At that
meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Alegria requested Staff come back, as a future agenda item,
with information on revegetating the fuel modification areas with native plans that do not
require costly annual clearing, thinning and/or trimming.
1
In considering revegetating certain fuel modification areas, Staff consulted with the Los
Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) and Los Angeles County Department of
Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures’ (LACAC) inspectors to determine
whether such revegetation could reduce or possibly even eliminate the need for future
annual trimming or thinning of those areas. They generally agreed that the approach
has the potential of achieving that goal.
Staff also consulted with the PVPLC because many of the fuel modification areas are
located within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve). The Preserve is subject to
the City Council-adopted Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation
Plan (NCCP/HCP) which according to Section 7.5 of the Plan, the City is obligated to
restore 250 acres of native habitat over the 50-year permit term. According to the
NCCP/HCP, the revegetation of fuel modification zones do not qualify towards the City’s
restoration obligation. However, reintroducing native species within the fuel modification
areas might minimize, and perhaps eliminate, the need to clear, thin or trim weeds and
brush from an area on an annual, bi-annual or semi-regular basis thereby resulting in a
long-term cost savings. Thus, the general consensus was to implement a pilot program
to monitor its effectiveness.
Revegetation plans will have a primary emphasis on addressing the LACoFD and
LACAC requirements. Such plans will be site specific, with consideration of conditions
such as slope, elevation, sun exposure and orientation, for plant selection and if
irrigation is required or feasible to establish new plants until they are self -sustaining.
Areas would be prioritized by the City based on most cost-effective ways to reduce
annual fuel modification expenses (i.e. prioritize areas that are hardest to get to or cost
the most to clear, trim or thin weeds and brush annually).
The proposed Fuel Modification Revegetation Pilot Program would occur in the
Forrestal Reserve, identified as Areas 94, 95 and 95 (Attachment B) on the City’s Fuel
Modification Area Map, and would encompass approximately 2 acres. These areas
were selected for the pilot program because they are more difficult to access, and
therefore more costly to maintain on an annual basis.
PVPLC has proposed a revegetation plant palette consisting of Southern Cactus Scrub
species for these areas. These cactus species are a good choice due to their limited
flammability and associated species’ limited height at maturity. LACoFD and LCAC
agreed that such species have the potential of achieving the goal of reducing or
possibly eliminating the need for future annual trimming or thinning of these areas.
The PVPLC proposes to implement work on this pilot revegetation program in fall 2020
at an estimated cost of $12,700. The PVPLC’s proposal (Attachment C) provides
specific information associated with, among other things, the plant palette, sizing,
spacing, quantity, site preparation, maintenance and monitoring.
To ensure the pilot revegetation program is implemented effectively and in accordance
to the agreed upon terms, Staff recommends that the City Council execute the attached
MOU (Attachment D) between the City and the PVPLC.
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CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City execute a MOU with the PVPLC to implement a pilot
revegetation fuel modification program to allow revegetation to occur in the Preserve
where fuel modification has occurred to reduce or eliminate long-term annual City costs
for these three fuel modification areas.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following action is available for the City
Council’s consideration:
1. Take other action as deemed appropriate by the City Council.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 02/04/2020
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to receive and file a presentation on an updated Fuel
Modification Plan and other wildfire preparedness efforts, and award a contract
amendment to Fire Grazers, Inc. for fuel modification services
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file a presentation on an updated Fuel Modification Plan and other
wildfire preparedness efforts;
(2) Authorize a contract amendment to Fire Grazers, Inc. to expand contracted fuel
modification services; and,
(3) Authorize an additional appropriation of $43,815 for expanded fuel modification
related services.
FISCAL IMPACT: $43,815
Amount Budgeted: $1,291,700
Additional Appropriation: $43,815
Account Number(s): 101-400-3230-5101
(General Fund - Fuel Modification, Professional & Technical Services)
ORIGINATED BY: James S. O’Neill, Project Manager (Public Works)
REVIEWED BY: Elias Sassoon, PE, Director of Public Works
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, Interim City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Amendment to Contract FY2020-020 with Fire Grazers, Inc. (page A-1)
(forthcoming)
B. June 18, 2019 Staff report and attachments (link)
C. July 16, 2019 Staff report and attachments (link)
D. September 3, 2019 Staff report and attachments (link)
E. September 17, 2019 Staff report and attachments (link)
F. November 19, 2019 Staff report and attachments (link)
G. Updated Fuel Modification Map (page G-1)
H. Updated Fuel Modification Table (page H-1) (forthcoming)
I. Updated Fuel Modification Schedule for 2020 (page I-1) (forthcoming)
A-1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff has completed updating mapping of all areas of City property that are within 200
feet of structures (the “defensible space” required in Los Angeles County for Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which includes most of Rancho Palos Verdes), and has
identified 94 fuel modification areas (equating to 278.73 acres). Prior to this update, City
fuel modification maps specified 42 fuel modification areas (equating to 65.35 acres). As
part of this report, Staff is presenting the revised map, table, and schedule of work for
2020 that reflects the work required.
Because of the additional acreage, Staff is recommending an amendment to the Fire
Grazers, Inc. contract for goat grazing. Staff will return at a later date for an amendment
to the Stay Green contract for the adding the costs of addressing that additional areas
that cannot be addressed by Fire Grazers, Inc.
Staff estimates that $1.2 million is needed on an annual basis for fuel modification work,
including costs for biological and bird surveys, goat grazing, tree trimming and other
weed and brush clearance. This annual expenditure could potentially be reduced in
future years if the City invested in well thought out re-vegetation of some fuel
modification areas, and Staff is in discussions with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy (PVPLC) to explore this option. Staff also estimates that an additional $1
million would be needed to complete efforts to eradicate acacia from the Peninsula.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The Los Angeles County Fire Code requires the clearance of hazardous vegetation
around structures to create “defensible space” in Fire Hazard Severity Zones and High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones for effective fire protection of property, life and the
environment. Fuel modification reduces the radiant and convective heat, and provides
valuable defensible space for firefighters to make an effective stand against an
approaching fire front. The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) and
Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Weed Hazard and
Pest Abatement Bureau (Weed Abatement Division) jointly enforce these requirements.
Defensible space is defined as 100 feet from structures in Fire Hazard Severity Zones
and 200 feet from structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. These spaces
are further subdivided into two zones, the first extending 30 feet out from structures, and
the second extending the remaining 70 feet (or 170 feet in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones), as shown in the diagram below:
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Rancho Palos Verdes is primarily designated a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone,
and according to an April 11, 2019, article in the Sacramento Bee, “holds a dubious
honor: it’s the most populated city in California to have 90 percent or more of its
population living within a very high fire hazard severity zone.” As such, defensible space
in the City is defined as 200 feet from structures.
Of the 8,620 acres that are within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ boundaries, the vast
majority of that acreage is privately owned. The City owns and is responsible for fuel
modification on approximately 1,604 acres within its boundaries; of that acreage,
1,381.7 acres is located within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve). The
Preserve is 1,402.4 acres, with Lunada Canyon (in the Agua Amarga Reserve) owned
by PVPLC, which is responsible for the fuel modification areas associated with those
20.7 acres.
Fuel modification on both private and public land in the City is subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires measures be taken to protect
environmental resources as appropriate. (Homeowners are exempt, however, from
CEQA requirements for the first 100 feet.) This typically involves tracking habitat loss
and protection of federally and state listed endangered and/or other sensitive species.
In November 2019, the City Council adopted the City’s Natural Communities
Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP), which helps the City to
streamline the permitting of several City projects, including fuel modification. The
NCCP/HCP specifically states in Section 6.3.1 that, "At no time will NCCP/HCP
provisions take precedence over the requirements of public health, safety, and welfare
as determined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.” It also states that removal
of coastal sage scrub or any other form of habitat modification or weed abatement for
the purpose of fire protection, such as the establishment of fuel modification zones and
fire breaks, thinning or brush clearing, provided such actions follow a regulation,
requires a written plan or a written order that is issued or required by the Los Angeles
County Fire Department or by another governmental entity. The NCCP/HCP allows the
City 30 acres of habitat loss within the Preserve resulting from fuel modification. The
City has an additional 40 acres of habitat loss available within the NCCP/HCP’s “Other
Miscellaneous City projects” category. Staff feels this is 70-acre allotment will meet and
expedite the City’s fuel modification needs.
A-3
The City works with PVPLC and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service to track “take” associated with fuel modification to comply with
NCCP/HCP and CEQA requirements. Moreover, the NCCP/HCP states that, “fire and
fuel modification will be carried out with a priority for human safety, where practicable,
the City and PVPLC shall also consider the minimization of impacts to biological
resources, where appropriate.” In order to comply with the City’s NCCP/HCP
requirements, the City works with its habitat manager (PVPLC) and the wildlife agencies
to coordinate fuel modification and track habitat loss.
The City’s Fuel Modification Plan
The LACoFD website lists five methods the department uses to manage over-aged
chaparral stands:
Prescribed fire (a.k.a. “controlled burns”)
Mechanical brush removal – defined as using mechanical equipment, such as
bulldozers, “brush crushers,” brush rakes, disks or anchor chains
Chemical application – application of growth inhibitors, defoliators or killers
Biological control – using grazing or browsing animals, such as goats
Hand clearing – manual labor using tools such as chain saws and line trimmers
The City’s Fuel Modification Plan does not utilize all of the methods used by LACoF D.
Prescribed fire presents obvious community concerns, mechanical brush removal is
avoided, if possible, and the use of chemical application would be a violation of the
NCCP/HCP in the Preserve. This leaves biological control and hand clearing as the
primary methods used by the City.
The City’s plan is intended to guide the City and its contracted vendors on fuel
modification efforts on a regular basis. The plan presented to the City Council on July
16, 2019 (Attachment C) was comprised of a map and a corresponding table that
identified the 42 fuel modification areas (drawn originally in 2004), the anticipated
approach and schedule for each area. At that time, Staff also stated that additional fuel
modification areas still needed to be mapped.
Current and Future Fuel Modification Budget
The FY19-20 Adopted Budget originally included $310,000 for Fuel Modification
services, and was comprised of:
$140,000 for Fire Grazers, Inc. (the vendor that provides the goats);
$100,000 for other vendors (i.e. Los Angeles Conservation Corps and Long
Beach Conservation Corps); and
$70,000 for disking services performed by the County of Los Angeles.
Subsequent to the adoption of the FY19-20 budget, the City Council has approved
additional appropriations for fuel modification, as listed in the following table:
A-4
Original
Appropriation
$310,000
July 16, 2019 Biologist studies and reports $50,000
September 3, 2019 Grant to PVPLC for Acacia removal $200,000
September 17, 2019 Supplement for Fire Grazers contract $10,000
Tree trimming, “up-limbing” and tree
removal (Acacia removal) $200,000
Geological studies and reports $25,000
Consultant services to oversee and
manage the City’s fuel modification efforts
and associated contracts
$125,000
November 19, 2019 Grant to PVPLC for more Acacia removal $307,200
$1,227,200*
*$707,200 was allotted for Acacia removal outside the fuel modification zones
Currently $520,000 has been allocated for fuel modification this year. However, Staff
estimates that approximately $1,200,000 (rounded-up) would be needed annually to
address all identified fuel modification areas. Although many factors may affect this
figure (such as rainfall, site-specific approaches to account for native vegetation, and
potential re-growth in an area during a single year), this cost estimate is based on the
following assumptions:
279 acres of fuel modification areas
An approximated cost of $3,000 per acre for fuel modification (based on average
per-acre costs of Fire Grazer’s contract, Stay Green’s contract, and accounting
for costs for bird surveys) equating to $837,000
A 25% contingency, equating to $209,250
$125,000 for oversight and management
This estimated budget does not include re-vegetation, which would minimize or
potentially eliminate or significantly reduce the need for annual clearing, thinning or
trimming in fuel modification areas. It also does not include a (theoretically, one-time)
cost for removing remaining Acacia from City properties, both inside and outside of the
Preserve.
Staff will also be exploring grant funding as a means to supplement and levera ge the
City’s fuel modification budget. The Governor’s proposed FY20-21 budget includes
programs that could provide funding for programs related to fuel modification, including:
$110.1 million to implement AB 38 (Wood, Chapter 391, Statutes of 2019), which
directs Cal OES and CAL FIRE to develop a joint powers authority to administer
a $100 million home hardening pilot program. AB 38 also mandates real estate
disclosure requirements for properties located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones starting on January 1, 2021.
$50 million to Cal OES to support additional preparedness measures that bolster
community resiliency, particularly during utility-initiated power shutdown events.
A-5
This proposal would support a matching grant program to help local governme nts
prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of power outages.
Update to the Fuel Modification Map
Staff updated the Fuel Modification Map by digitally tracing all structures within 200 feet
of City properties, and mapping 200-foot buffers around those structures (Attachment
G). The original 42 fuel modification areas equated to 65.35 acres. With GIS mapping
completed, there are now 96 areas that equate to 278.73 acres. Some of the 94 areas
are encompass some of the original, smaller areas, and others are new areas that were
not previously mapped.
Not all mapped areas will require “brush clearance,” as they include maintained
landscaped areas (such as Hesse Park and Ryan Park) or paved areas (like some
portions of the Civic Center complex). Many areas are not abundant in habitat, and/or
may include disturbed vegetation or non-native plants. Other areas may not be able to
be cleared, trimmed or thinned due to steep slopes and/or the impracticality of placing
fences for the goats. These areas will be discussed with LACoFD and Department of
Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures to discuss what is ultimately
required.
Malaga Canyon, which equates to approximately 68 acres, is intentionally not included
in the plan at this time, because the fuel modification areas equate to more than half
(approximately 38 acres) of the Reserve. Staff expects to have meetings with PVPLC,
LACoFD and Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures to
address what will ultimately be required in this Reserve.
Addressing Utility Hazards
Staff has engaged Southern California Edison (SCE) representatives to address the
potential of undergrounding overhead power lines that may pose a fire threat. This
includes clearing vegetation and dry brush under existing power lines, particularly an
existing power line in the Portuguese Bend Reserve. The City has also spearheaded an
effort to change state regulations that would allow for the threat of fire to be a
justification for use of existing funds (Rule 20) set aside for undergrounding.
The City’s proposed policy on Rule 20 was recommended by both League policy
committees last week and is going to the Board of Directors in February for
consideration as a formal policy. The proposed policy now reads simply, “The League
supports the inclusion of wildfire mitigation as an eligible project to receive the California
Public Utilities’ Rule 20 funds and efforts to expand funding for Rule 20.” League staff
crafted this language to reflect two main elements agreed upon by the policy
committees and the City: adding wildfire mitigation as an eligible project to receive Rule
20 funds; and expanding funding for Rule 20 projects to support those wildfire mitigation
efforts. The Board of Directors will meet February 20-21 in Yountville.
A-6
SCE and other electrical utilities have recently implemented policies to allow to allow
public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) in order to prevent their equipment from sparking
wildfires. Communities are looking for ways to offset the likely negative impacts of such
actions, and Staff is researching the potential impacts and potential ways for the City to
minimize such impacts to residents and the community. Staff applied for a grant from
the Governor’s Office for generators and education opportunities under a program to
address those concerns, and is awaiting a response to that application.
Educating Property Owners and Residents
Educating property owners and residents is an important aspect of the City’s plan. Staff
intends to develop educational materials, research education opportunities, or update
the City’s website with educational materials. The City has also recently retained
contract staff who can focus on these public outreach efforts.
Contract Amendment with Fire Grazers and Stay Green
As outlined in the Fuel Modification Plan presented on July 1 6, 2019, Fire Grazers and
Stay Green are scheduled to address the 42 original fuel modification areas. Staff is
presenting an updated map and corresponding table and schedule that reflects the
detailed mapping of all City properties by City GIS Staff. GIS Staff digitally traced every
structure that was within 200 feet of any City property (whether inside the Preserve or
not) and created the 30-foot and 200-foot buffers that equate to Zone 1 and Zone 2
around structures from the LACoFD fuel modification standards. This resulted in the
identification of 94 fuel modification zones, a number that is not expected to change
without new homes or structures being built.
With the increased fuel modification zones, the contracts with Fire Grazers and Stay
Green must be amended to reflect the new acreage. A t this time, Staff proposes
amending the Fire Grazers (Attachment A). An additional appropriation of $43,815 is
needed at this time. Staff will present an amendment to the Stay Green contract at a
later date, since a contract amendment to the Stay Green contract is being considered
separately on tonight’s agenda.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Discuss and take other action related to this item.
A-7
27
25
19B
28A
28C
12
52
17
19A
73
21
7
14
16
38
78
59 60
15
28B
11
61
70
20
67
56
13
66
8 32
18
779
55
35
10
33
58
64
6
68
54
62
63
65
34
7224
53
36
37
57
39
22
71
23
26
69
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
ROLLING HILLS
0 0.45Miles
Ê
A-8
51 44
7 1
29
91
81
31
75
82 86
79
4
5
95
49
74
92
84
83
94
40
89
42 85
76 3
45
88
50
43
93
30
96
41
4647
87
80
2
90
48
PV Reservoir
LOS ANGELES
ROLLING HILLS
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
LOMITA
TORRANCE
0 0.45Miles
Ê
A-9
27
25
19B
28A
28C
12
52
17
19A
73
21
7
14
16
38
78
59 60
15
28B
11
61
70
20
67
56
13
66
8 32
18
779
55
35
10
33
58
64
6
68
54
62
63
65
34
7224
53
36
37
57
39
22
71
23
26
69
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
ROLLING HILLS
0 0.45Miles
Ê
B-1
51 44
7 1
29
91
81
31
75
82 86
79
4
5
95
49
74
92
84
83
94
40
89
42 85
76 3
45
88
50
43
93
30
96
41
4647
87
80
2
90
48
PV Reservoir
LOS ANGELES
ROLLING HILLS
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
LOMITA
TORRANCE
0 0.45Miles
Ê
B-2
Site/Area APN Acreage
Fuel Mod
Zone #
Acreage
(Rounded)
Slope (min/avg/max)
in degrees
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (Abalone Cove Beach)7572-018-900 36.61 8 1.49 0.02°/9.55°/50.61°Stay Green
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (Sacred Cove)7572-019-900 39.19 10 1.76 0.36°/21.97°/66.74°Goat Herd #1
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (Sacred Cove Slope)7572-019-901 2.05 0 #N/A
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (SE Corner of Seacove & PVDS)7573-007-900 1.20 0 #N/A
67 2.91 0.65°/27.78°/50.49°Stay Green
19B 5.2 0.57°/30.28°/67.4°Stay Green
Agua Amaga Canyon (Agua Amarga Canyon)7583-024-900 2.27 0 #N/A
Agua Amaga Canyon (Agua Amarga Canyon)7583-024-901 8.94 16 9.51 0.07°/20.56°/68.55°Stay Green
Agua Amaga Canyon (Agua Amarga Canyon)7588-001-900 6.82 0 #N/A
Agua Amaga Canyon (Agua Amarga Canyon)7588-001-901 6.93 15 7.17 0.03°/27.66°/57.48°Goat Herd #1
20 4.05 0.06°/8.49°/34.72°Goat Herd #2
21 13.51 0.02°/7.39°/49.91°Goat Herd #2
34 0.29 2.57°/29.99°/53.63°Stay Green
10 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-900 0.43 6 0.64 0.35°/12.96°/39.53°Stay Green
12 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-901 0.35 7 6.61 0.06°/15.75°/59.4°Stay Green
14 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-902 0.34 32 2.5 0.07°/11.73°/47.58°Stay Green
16 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-903 0.44 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-004-904 0.39 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-004-905 0.52 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-004-906 0.36 0 #N/A
43 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-907 0.69 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-004-908 0.40 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-004-909 0.49 0 #N/A
41 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-910 0 #N/A
37 Cherryhill Lane 7572-004-911 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-007-900 0.70 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-007-901 0.49 0 #N/A
Cherry Hill 7572-007-902 0.43 0 #N/A
Civic Center 7573-002-908 6.00 0 #N/A
Civic Center 7573-002-913 1.65 0 #N/A
Civic Center 7573-002-914 0.06 0 #N/A
Cloverclif Park 7583-001-900 0.18 53 0.18 0.43°/8.13°/28.71°Not needed (Landscaped)
Coastal Open Space (Archery Range)7572-019-902 45.36 0 #N/A
Del Cerro Park 7581-032-901 3.94 28A 3.91 0.04°/5.9°/41.31°Not needed (Landscaped)
Filiorum Reserve (Upper Filiorum)7572-002-900 0.01 72 0.26 29.39°/39°/46.96°Stay Green
Agua Amaga Reserve (Agua Amarga Canyon)15.367583-022-912
65.00Alta Vicente Reserve (Upper Point Vicente Park)7573-002-909
Anticipated Approach
B-3
Site/Area APN Acreage
Fuel Mod
Zone #
Acreage
(Rounded)
Slope (min/avg/max)
in degrees Anticipated Approach
28C 0.07 14.97°/33.82°/43.45°Stay Green
33 1.5 0.07°/27.47°/71.86°Stay Green
68 0.81 4.97°/44.23°/65.6°Stay Green
69 0 31.62°/34.48°/37.97°Stay Green
70 4.19 0.11°/10.96°/42.46°Goat Herd #1
0 #N/A
Filiorum Reserve (Upper Filiorum)7581-023-903 29.03 71 0.03 9.05°/25.98°/34.4°Stay Green
28b 3.09 3.17°/35.44°/56.55°Goat Herd #1
73 14.15 1.93°/28.46°/74.82°Goat Herd #2
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7558-001-901 21.52 79 1.67 0.12°/25.88°/55.11°Stay Green
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7558-001-902 9.76 80 0.03 7.89°/27.68°/58.92°Stay Green
81 5.42 0.13°/26.69°/56.89°Goat Herd #2
93 0.17 0.43°/41.46°/57.8°Stay Green
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7564-001-914 25.62 1 7.54 0.03°/25.84°/70.69°Stay Green
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7564-001-915 15.26 0 #N/A
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7564-001-916 0.55 94 0.7 1.3°/25.01°/43.96°Stay Green
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7564-001-917 1.98 95 1.42 8.37°/29.8°/47.36°Stay Green
Forrestal Nature Preserve 7564-001-918 47.43 96 0.14 31.86°/40.64°/50.14°Stay Green
Founders Park 7564-021-909 5.21 0 #N/A
Friendship Park 7561-025-903 5.76 30 0.17 11.08°/18.41°/30.01°Stay Green
Grandview Park 7546-026-901 8.47 58 1.4 0.02°/8.58°/34.43°Goat Herd #1
Grandview Park 7546-026-902 8.62 59 8.12 0.04°/14.8°/53.75°Goat Herd #1
Grandview Park 7546-026-903 0.17 0 #N/A
Hesse Park (Fred Hesse Jr. Park)7583-022-908 20.94 0 #N/A
Hesse Park (Fred Hesse Jr. Park)7583-022-909 4.30 52 12.45 0.03°/8.41°/45.34°Not Needed (Landscaped)
Hesse Park (Fred Hesse Jr. Park)7583-022-910 3.11 0 #N/A
Hesse Park (Fred Hesse Jr. Park)7583-022-911 0.32 0 #N/A
Island View (end of East Crest Road)7566-016-900 0.17 3 0.17 0.63°/17.65°/35.26°Stay Green
Island View (adjacent to Windport Canyon)7583-039-900 5.18 0 #N/A
Ladera Linda 7564-001-905 1.52 29 9.42 0°/12.39°/56.22°Stay Green
Ladera Linda 7564-001-906 1.21 0 #N/A
Ladera Linda 7564-001-908 0.07 0 #N/A
Ladera Linda 7564-001-910 1.67 0 #N/A
Ladera Linda 7564-001-911 1.41 0 #N/A
Ladera Linda 7564-001-912 3.80 0 #N/A
Ladera Linda 7564-001-913 1.27 0 #N/A
Forrestal Nature Preserve
Filiorum Reserve (Upper Filiorum)7581-023-902 160.79
38.407558-001-904
Filiorum Reserve (Del Cerro Park - Open space slope surround)7581-032-902 17.43
B-4
Site/Area APN Acreage
Fuel Mod
Zone #
Acreage
(Rounded)
Slope (min/avg/max)
in degrees Anticipated Approach
Malaga Canyon Reserve (North)7546-022-900 21.20 12 24.02 0.02°/23.65°/71.35°TBD (Stay Green)
Malaga Canyon Reserve (North)7578-002-900 22.55 60 7.92 0.16°/31.46°/61.2°TBD (Stay Green)
Malaga Canyon Reserve (North)7578-002-901 0.38 61 5.05 0.26°/27.44°/49.83°TBD (Stay Green)
Malaga Canyon Reserve (North)7578-003-900 1.57 62 0.48 0.22°/19.7°/38.26°TBD (Stay Green)
Malaga Canyon Reserve (North)7578-003-901 4.27 0 #N/A
Malaga Canyon Reserve (South)7578-003-902 8.85 0 #N/A
Malaga Canyon Reserve (South)7578-003-903 9.70 0 #N/A
Marilyn Ryan Sunset Point Park 7564-021-910 1.51 40 0.66 0.04°/4.8°/24.99°Stay Green
Martingale Trailhead Park 7568-007-900 0.97 4 0.94 0.81°/28.61°/51.34°Not Needed (Landscaped)
Ocean Trails Reserve (formerly Shoreline Park)7564-019-900 52.19 2 0.01 37.66°/42.74°/51.83°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Thin ribbon near bluff top - adjacent to 903)7564-020-900 1.48 31 2.64 0.74°/22.71°/46.85°Goat Herd #2
Ocean Trails Reserve (Adjacent to property formerly known as Shoreline Park)7564-020-901 7.80 41 0.11 0.29°/6.84°/24.19°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Trump Shoreline East)7564-020-902 10.88 42 0.5 0.12°/8.51°/40.28°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Mediun ribbon at bluff top - adjacent to 900)7564-020-903 4.66 43 0.18 0.36°/8.06°/26.71°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Trump Shoreline Mid)7564-021-911 11.65 44 0 2.33°/3.51°/5.66°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Trump Shoreline West)7564-021-912 12.70 45 0.45 0.15°/4.4°/21.61°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Turnout parking and strip adjaent to PVDS - W of entrance)7564-027-900 0.32 46 0.11 0.1°/2.99°/27.05°Stay Green
47 0.11 0.26°/4.49°/28.61°Stay Green
48 0 0.91°/7.93°/13.21°Stay Green
49 1.4 0.07°/8.93°/55.44°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (Terraced corner and thin strip adjaent to PVDS - E of entrance)7564-027-901 0.93 50 0.2 0.06°/12.47°/58.96°Stay Green
Ocean Trails Reserve (La Rotunda Public Parking)7564-028-900 0.48 51 0.01 0.14°/2.07°/7.53°Stay Green
90 0 38.06°/41.86°/45.54°Stay Green
91 7.03 0.03°/9.34°/45.84°Goat Herd #2
92 1.09 9.17°/23.81°/46.67°Goat Herd #2
Pelican Cove 7573-002-902 10.32 35 1.9 0.16°/31.78°/71.06°Stay Green
36 0.14 12.06°/47.82°/73.83°Stay Green
Point Vicente School Access Trail (a.k.a. "Calle de Sueños Trail")7588-023-900 0.12 37 0.12 0.19°/12.45°/30.64°Not Needed (Landscaped)
Point Vicente Interpretive Center 7573-002-904 26.66 Meet the Goats 0 #N/A Goat Herd #1
Portuguese Bend Reserve 7564-005-900 1.27 0 #N/A
Portuguese Bend Reserve 7572-001-900 52.02 0 #N/A
74 1.16 0.18°/20.76°/43.34°Stay Green
75 2.56 0.58°/22.21°/49.03°Stay Green
76 0.4 17.33°/38.02°/67.03°Stay Green
Portuguese Bend Reserve 7572-001-902 50.40 77 2.24 0.06°/13.72°/52.95°Goat Herd #1
5.24 0.03°/11.13°/46.11°Goat Herd #1
0 #N/A
Portuguese Bend Reserve 7572-001-904 0.80 5 0.89 1.87°/23.04°/51.84°Stay Green
Portuguese Bend Reserve 7572-001-905 108.38
Portuguese Bend Reserve 7581-023-901 4.10 13 2.57 0.36°/32.9°/70.55°Goat Herd #1
78
Portuguese Bend Reserve 88.80
96.607572-001-903Portuguese Bend Reserve
7572-001-901
B-5
Site/Area APN Acreage
Fuel Mod
Zone #
Acreage
(Rounded)
Slope (min/avg/max)
in degrees Anticipated Approach
Ryan Park 7588-018-901 10.12 38 8.85 0°/9.17°/64.52°Not Needed (Landscaped)
Ryan Park 7588-022-900 0.09 39 0.09 1.12°/5.33°/36.86°Not Needed (Landscaped)
San Ramone Reserve (Palos Verdes Drive East Switchbacks)7564-024-900 46.25 82 2.48 0.12°/25.41°/43.23°Goat Herd #1
83 0.86 0.36°/24.37°/54.12°Stay Green
84 0.93 0.62°/15.88°/27.88°Goat Herd #1
85 0.42 8.84°/15.82°/29.64°Stay Green
86 2.2 0.23°/23.28°/39.68°Goat Herd #1
87 0.08 12.8°/29.3°/64.34°Stay Green
88 0.24 12.65°/34.84°/48.76°Stay Green
San Ramone Reserve (35 foot strip adjacent to San Ramon Canyon)7561-039-900 3.02 89 0.56 12.04°/24.54°/52.17°Stay Green
Silver Spur / McKay Property 7586-022-902 2.03 55 2 2.13°/22.2°/48.78°Stay Green
Tarragon Property 7573-004-900 1.30 9 1.3 0.16°/9.39°/55.07°Goat Herd #1
11 5.11 0.08°/18.83°/49.31°Goat Herd #2
0 #N/A
Three Sisters Reserve (formerly the Barkentine Nature Preserve)7581-023-900 4.40 0 #N/A
Vanderlip Senior Park 7573-016-900 3.47 56 2.85 0.06°/24.02°/85.09°Stay Green
Vanderlip Senior Park 7573-016-901 1.30 57 0.1 4.39°/41.43°/75.52°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - strip adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive West)7582-003-900 2.81 14 10.77 0.03°/14.32°/53.73°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - median)7582-003-901 0.04 17 19.8 0.03°/9.41°/83.68°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - median)7582-003-902 0.02 22 0.07 0.63°/4.94°/9.35°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - central area north of Hawthorne Boulevard)7582-022-900 14.15 23 0.02 0.67°/5.42°/9.95°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - strip adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive West)7582-022-901 1.01 24 0.22 0.04°/8.97°/25.73°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - central area south of Hawthorne Boulevard)7582-023-900 5.27 25 0.01 1.53°/4.83°/8.72°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - median)7582-023-901 0.08 26 0.02 0.5°/5.4°/10.89°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - median)7582-023-902 0.02 27 0.02 0.42°/3.72°/7.43°Stay Green
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - median)7582-023-903 0.02 0 #N/A
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates - cliff line)7582-024-900 46.67 0 #N/A
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Lower Point Vicente Park)7573-002-910 0.14 0 #N/A
63 0.42 3.05°/18.21°/45.93°Goat Herd #2
64 1.25 0.11°/19.86°/47.02°Goat Herd #2
65 0.37 10.24°/31.18°/42.95°Stay Green
66 2.57 1.13°/19.34°/42.61°Goat Herd #2
Wallace Radio Rancho Museum Park 7585-033-906 0.23 54 0.69 0.14°/4.66°/20.15°Not Needed (Landscaped)
Wallace Radio Rancho Museum Park 7585-033-907 0.23
Wallace Radio Rancho Museum Park 7585-033-908 0.23
7572-004-910
Agua Amarga Reserve (Lunada Canyon) (owned by PVPLC)18 2.38 0.23°/18.16°/44.66°
Agua Amarga Reserve (Lunada Canyon) (owned by PVPLC)19A 9.25 0.04°/20.06°/62.03°
1603.98 278.71
Vista del Norte (a.k.a. Indian Peak or Crestridge - Slope on south side, near Crenshaw)7589-013-907 16.76
Three Sisters Reserve (formerly the Barkentine Nature Preserve)93.977573-003-900
48.22San Ramone Reserve (Palos Verdes Drive East Switchbacks)7564-024-901
B-6
Fuel Modification Zones
Revegetation Plan for Zones 94, 95 and 96
The City and PVPLC are required to perform annual fuel modification for fire prevention purposes within
the Preserve by the Weed Abatement Division of the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural
Commissioner. The location and amount of fuel modification throughout the Preserve has been
determined by the Los Angeles Weed Abatement Division in conjunction with the Los Angeles County
Fire Department and is based on factors such as proximity of structures, steepness of slope, and fuel
load (NCCP-HCP). Historically, fuel modification zones were disked or mowed in large swaths leaving
sites bare and vulnerable to invasion by exotic weeds, erosion and an annual maintenance pattern with
no end in sight due to a recurring and constant source of weed seed.
This plan is a recommendation for the strategic revegetation of the fuel modification zones 94, 95 and
96 to minimize the negative impacts of traditional methods while increasing habitat value. Based on the
2010 California Native Plant Society’s “Vegetation Mapping of the Rancho Palos Verdes NCCP Preserve:
Vegetation Map and Classification Report” as well as field verification, Zone 94 is considered CSS with a
mix of dominance in Encelia, Rhus and Undifferentiated. Zone 95 is considered Southern Cactus Scrub
with historical sightings of Cactus Wren, and Zone 96 is considered CSS – Rhus dominated. Over the last
several years, the sites have been encroached on by non-native plants due to the implementation of
Fuel Modification. With the county’s current recommendations and fuel mod requirements, a
revegetation plant palette consisting of Southern Cactus Scrub species is recommended for these 3 sites.
This is due to cactus species limited flammability, associated species limited height and the acceptance
by the County Ag commissioner of these species in fuel mod zones. This recommendation also aligns
with the surrounding vegetation and will enhance the local habitat. The planted species will be
collected locally to maintain the surrounding habitats genetic integrity and prevent any hybridization.
Zones 94, 95 and 96 are in somewhat remote and inaccessible areas and the installation of an irrigation
system is unfeasible, costly and is not recommended. Without supplemental irrigation, timely
installation of plant material prior to rain events will need to be implemented. In addition, a super-
absorbent hydrogel is recommended as an amendment, such as Terrasorb or equivalent product, so that
any rain moisture can be slowly released into the root systems over time.
The management of these sites should be based on annual mowing of planted areas in the late spring
after native plant flowering and native seed has set based on seasonal rain. Implementation of these
weeding events will have to be coordinated with PVPLC for the best timing and prior to weed seed set.
Due the varying rainfall of the Southern California area, a second mowing event may have to be
coordinated in certain years. Due to the large amount of weed seed bank at these locations, a certain
number of weeds will have to be tolerated. This maintenance process is based on the idea of flushing
out the weed seed bank, minimizing new weed seed introduction and replacing the current non-native
vegetation with native vegetation appropriate for the fuel mod zones. Long term results will be seen
over time as disturbance is minimized and self-sufficient seedbank is created.
C-1
This proposal only includes the planting of the site and plant materials. Site preparation, maintenance
and monitoring are not included but a cost estimate can be provided. The cost for revegetation of areas
94, 95, and 96 is estimated at $12,700 and can implemented as soon as the Fall of 2020.
Table 1
Proposed Cactus Scrub Planting Palette for Fuel Mod Zones 94, 95 and 96
Botanical Name Common Name Size Spacing
(on
center)
Group
Size
Quantity
(per acre)
Total #
Plants
Cylindropuntia prolifera Coastal Cholla Pads 2 10 272 615
Opuntia oricola/oricola Chaparral/Coast
Prickly Pear
Pads 2 30 363 820
Total Container Plants (per acre) 635 1435
Seed Mix
Botanical Name Common Name Lbs Per Acre Total Lbs.
Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus Ocean Locoweed .10 .226
Eriogonum fasciculatum var.
foliolosum
California Buckwheat .25 .565
Stipa lepida Foothill Needlegrass .25 .565
Stipa pulchra Purple Needlegrass .25 .565
C-2
Site Pictures:
C-3
C-4
C-5
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AND THE PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY FOR THE REVEGETATION OF AREAS 94, 95,
AND 96
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) is effective as of
________, 2020, and is between the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (“RPV”) and the
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (“PVPLC”). RPV and PVPLC are
sometimes referred to as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
A. RPV and PVPLC are required to perform annual fuel modification for fire
prevention purposes and the Parties wish to engage in a strategic revegetation
(“Project”) of the fuel modification zones 94, 95 and 96 (“Zones”), as further described in
Exhibit “A” attached hereto, to minimize the negative impacts of traditional methods of
fuel modification while increasing habitat value.
E. The Parties desire to work cooperatively to benefit both agencies by
reducing ongoing fuel modification costs f or the Zones. Accordingly, the Parties desire
to organize and fund the revegetation of the Zones.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties in consideration of the mutual promises set
forth in this MOU, agree as follows:
1. Purpose of Memorandum of Understanding. The purpose of this MOU is
for the Parties to work cooperatively to organize and fund the revegetation of the Zones.
RPV will provide funds to the PVPLC for all costs associated with the revegetation of
the Zones.
2. Responsibilities of the Parties.
2.1 PVPLC. PVPLC agrees to do the following:
(a) Provide the necessary services to conduct the Project,
including the purchase of the correct vegetation, clearing of the Zones in preparation for
re-vegetation, and planting the re-vegetation materials in the area, pursuant to the
proposal PVPLC provided to RPV, attached hereto as Exhibit “B”.
(b) Provide monthly invoices to RPV for the cost of the services
conducted to that date.
2.2 RPV. RPV agrees to do the following:
D-1
(a) Upon receipt of an invoice from PVPLC, RPV will conduct a
progress check of the Project within five (5) days. RPV, in its sole discretion, will
determine whether the invoice correctly describes the work completed. Once RPV
makes that determination, the invoice shall be paid in full.
(c) RPV will provide up to a maximum compensation of $12,700
for the completion of the Project.
3. Notices. Any notice or other communication (“Notice”) which either Party
may desire to give to any other P arty under this MOU must be in writing and may be
given by any commercially acceptable means, to the addresses below:
RPV:
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Attention: City Manager
PVPLC:
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
916 Silver Spur Road #207
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Attention: Executive Director
4. Interpretation. This MOU will be interpreted, construed, and governed
according to the laws of the State of California . Each Party has had the opportunity to
review this MOU with legal counsel. The Agreement will be construed simply, as a
whole, and in accordance with its fair meaning. It will not be interpreted strictly for or
against either party.
5. Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this MOU will be construed
to create any rights in third parties and the Parties do not intend to create such rights.
6. Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any Party commences legal action of
any kind or character to either enforce the provisions of this MOU or to obtain damages
for breach thereof, the prevailing party in such litigation will be entitled to all costs and
reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such action.
7. Severability. If any provision of this MOU, or any portion thereof, is found
by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason,
such provision will be severable and will not in any way impair the enforceability of any
other provision of this MOU.
8. Amendment of MOU. This MOU may be amended at any time by mutual
agreement of the Parties. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both
Parties.
D-2
D-3