CC SR 20200602 03 - Status of PVPLC Second Acacia Removal Grant
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/02/2020
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to receive a status report on the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy’s (PVPLC) acacia removal grant.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file a status report on the acacia removal grant provided to the
PVPLC; and,
(2) Affirm proceeding with the removal of 2 to 3 acres of acacia and 16 acres of
dry brush mowing with the remaining grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: $307,200
Additional Appropriation: N/A
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. May 11, 2020 status report from PVPLC on acacia removal project (page A-1)
B. November 19, 2019 staff report, including PVPLC grant proposal (page B-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On September 3, 2019, the City Council awarded a $200,000 grant to the PVPLC for
fuel load reduction in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve). That work was
performed to the satisfaction of PVPLC, Staff and the neighboring community, with the
neighboring community asking for more removal upon the completion of this project.
Subsequently, the PVPLC prepared a second grant proposal for $307,200 to remove
more acacia and mow dry brush and grass in the following areas of the Preserve:
Vicente Bluffs Reserve (Ocean Front Estates area)
Forrestal Reserve
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Portuguese Bend Reserve
San Ramon Reserve
On November 19, 2019, the City Council awarded the grant to the PVPLC in the amount
of $307,200. (Attachment B)
Soon after being awarded the grant, the PVPLC received bids to conduct the work from
Bennett Landscape (Bennett), Travers Tree Service, Inc. (Travers) and Finley’s Tree &
Landcare, Inc. (Finley’s). The bid received from Finley’s was the lowest bid indicating
that work would be performed based on a daily crew of six, working eight hours per day,
at a daily rate of $2,300. The expectation was that the crew would remove
approximately ¼ of an acre of acacia per day at an anticipated removal cost of $10,120
per acre. This per acre cost included 10% for PVPLC’s project management costs and
performing any required biological assessments in compliance with the Council-
approved Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan
(NCCP/HCP).
According to the PVPLC, their staff recognized that crews did not always have six
people, and work was taking longer than originally anticipated because of the terrain
and implementing measures to protect biological resources. In response, an hourly rate
of $47.50 was negotiated between the PVPLC and Finley’s for each crew member to
better reflect the work that was being performed. To expedite the removal of as much
acacia as possible prior to the start of bird breeding season, which generally starts April
1st annually, and potentially would limit the ability to remove acacia from areas where
active nests were identified, the PVPLC field staff and volunteers from Americorps were
assisting Finley’s crews.
On February 24, the PVPLC decided to contract with Travers to also perform acacia
removal prior to the start of bird breeding season. However, the daily rate for Travers
was higher than the Finley’s rate ($3,850 per day vs. $2,300), but this was primarily due
to the crew being comprised of eight people instead of six, and their extensive
experience in removing trees such as acacia. Moreover, the understanding was that the
Travers crew would also remove approximately ¼ acre per day, equating to a calculated
removal rate of $16,940 ($15,400 for Travers plus an additional 10% for PVPLC
management and required biological surveys).
According to the PVPLC, the contracts did not require specific amounts of acacia to be
removed by area nor were they able to obtain bids on a fixed price or lump -sum basis.
They were only able to obtain bids on a time and material pricing. The PVPLC attributes
this to the nature of the project and the accessibility challenges of sites within the
Preserve, as well as minimizing impacts to protected vegetation that may be intermixed
with the acacia that requires oversight and trained labor.
To date, the acacia removal work has been closely monitored by PVPLC staff, and that
the cost to manage the contractors and conduct biological monitoring is estimated to
cost $21,240. This is approximately 8% of the total project cost which was originally
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estimated at 10% allowing more funding to go towards acacia removal work. It should
be noted that careful monitoring of acacia removal is critical to ensure the work in the
Preserve is conducted in compliance with the Council-approved NCCP/HCP. Required
protocols include monitoring for presence of native plants and nesting birds, flagging
native plants for crews to avoid, and coordinating protocols for crews and equipment to
access acacia sites without damaging native habitat or covered species as damage
could result in more cost to the City if not avoided. Additionally, PVPLC coordinated in
the field with neighbors and City Staff to address community concerns and remove most
threatening acacia to nearby homes. The residents expressed they are pleased with
the work.
In early April 2020, PVPLC staff notified City Staff that acacia removal in the areas
targeted was proving far more challenging than originally expected due to extreme
density of acacia groves, the extent of native habitat intermixed with the acacia, and the
limited accessibility for crews and equipment that required extremely labor-intensive
work to haul cut vegetation far distances to vehicles. The PVPLC staff stated that,
although more days were spent on the acacia removal of the project than originally
anticipated, and with the extra help of PVPLC field staff and Americorps members
contributing to the project at PVPLC’s cost, to date, a lower percentage of acacia
removal occurred than originally proposed. In response, City Staff requested a status
report to understand how much work had been completed.
On May 11, 2020, PVPLC staff provided a status report on the following acreage of
acacia removal that has been completed to date (Attachment A):
4 acres of the proposed 8 of acres in the Vanderlip North area (Portuguese Bend
Reserve)
3.5 acres of the proposed 5 acres in the Oceanfront Estates area (Vicente Bluffs
Reserve)
0.0 acres of the proposed 5 acres in the Burma Road area (Portuguese Bend
Reserve)
0.5 acres of the proposed 1 acre in the Forrestal Reserve
1.5 acres of the proposed 2 acres in the San Ramon Reserve
1.5 acres of the proposed 3 acres in the Peppertree area (Portuguese Bend
Reserve)
2 acres of the proposed 7 acres in the Ishibashi Farm West area (Portuguese
Bend Reserve)
To date, the mowing portion of the work has not yet been performed. According to the
PVPLC report, there is $34,514 remaining from the grant ($21,314 for acacia removal
and $13,200 for mowing). The PVPLC proposes, and prefers, to continue with the
project funds as allocated to prioritize 2 to 3 acres of acacia removal and 16 acres of dry
brush mowing. Alternatively, the remaining funds could be used to remove, without any
mowing, approximately 3-5 acres of acacia removal. Staff agrees with the PVPLC’s
preference because in the end, more acreage will be covered. Staff will continue to work
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with the PVPLC on completing this project as close to the original proposal as possible
considering all the challenges.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following actions are available for the City
Council’s consideration:
1. Reimburse PVPLC for expenses incurred and cancel the remaining grant.
2. Direct PVPLC Take other action as deemed appropriate by the City Council.
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Fuel Load Reduction Part 2: Project Update
Submitted by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy May 11, 2020
In November 2019, The City of Rancho Palos Verdes City Council awarded a grant in the
amount of $307,200 to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to remove Acacia and
mow weedy areas within the Nature Preserve. This grant served as a continuation of the
first Acacia removal project successfully completed in November 2019.
The proposal was crafted in coordination with City Public Works staff. Areas were mapped
using site knowledge and aerial photos and the proposal made to City Council was based on
an estimated calculation of treatment acres that contained Acacia growth. Land
Conservancy staff consulted with arborists to give the best estimate of days required to
remove Acacia in order to develop the proposal budget. As this was a continuation of the
pilot project launched in Fall 2019, addressing harder-to-reach areas with mature Acacia
stands, Land Conservancy staff made their best efforts to determine day rates for removal of
Acacia in Preserve areas in areas with limited access for crews and equipment in tough
terrain.
The Land Conservancy first contracted with tree removal crews to undertake two areas
simultaneously – Portuguese Bend near Vanderlip Drive and Ocean Front Estates. The area
near the Portuguese Bend community was expanded in response to the Portuguese Bend
Community Association and neighbor requests to remove Acacia near homes on the
Preserve border. Additionally, Land Conservancy staff coordinated with the Ocean Front
Estates HOA to address their concerns for Acacia in the Vicente Bluffs Reserve area near
homes. The residents living near these two areas were very concerned about the fire threats
to their homes and therefore the Land Conservancy allocated extra crew time to removing
the fire-prone vegetation in these highest priority areas. As shown in the budget table
below, more crew days were designated to these areas of dense brush. The work had to be
carefully conducted as to not damage existing sensitive habitat areas, and crews had to
carefully cut and haul limbs. This approach is very specialized and must be accomplished
while complying with the NCCP/HCP implementation guidelines and while avoiding impacts
to the natural resources in the Preserve. This required more time than anticipated in the
proposal, but Conservancy staff deemed it necessary to allocate the additional funds and
resources to these areas to appease neighbor concerns and safeguard their homes.
Initial proposal estimates for removing Acacia was $3000/day. This day rate was for a crew
of 6 working for 8 hours, and included PVPLC’s monitoring and management time. Land
A-1
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Conservancy staff carefully monitored the crews each day and observed that the work crews
could not sustain 6 people each day for the hard, long duration of the work. On some days,
crews were pulled to work in other areas for this project, or were unable to bring staffing up
to capacity for the day. At that point, it was more transparent to account for hours worked
each day at an hourly rate rather than a crew day rate so that funds were carefully
monitored. Furthermore, PVPLC contracted with a second company to ensure the Acacia
removal work proceeded in a timely manner. This company had an 8-person crew of
arborists who were able to remove more Acacia per day, but had a higher day rate
$3850/day (not including PVPLC’s staff time to manage the project and conduct pre-work
biological monitoring surveys).
The following table compares the proposed acres with estimated days to complete and
estimated budget for each project area with the actual acres of Acacia removed, days to
execute and expenditures for each Preserve area.
*Project Budget and Acres completed as of April 27, 2020
The proposal was developed based on a crew day rate in part because contractors were not
willing to provide a bid estimate of the entire project, or project areas, in a lump sum bid due
to the challenges of removing these Acacia areas in the Nature Preserve where accessibility
Site Acres
Proposed
Acres
Treated*
Work Days
Proposed
Actual
Days
Budget
Proposed
Expenses
Vanderlip North 8 4 32 43 $96,000 $108,031
Oceanfront
Estates
5 3.5 20 27 $60,000 $68,419
Burma Road 5 - 10 - $30,000 $0
Forrestal 1 .5 2 3 $6,000 $6,861
San Ramon 2 1.5 5 10 $15,000 $26,290
Peppertree 3 1.5 8 13 $24,000 $32,731
Ishibashi Farm
West
7 2 21 12 $63,000 $29,314
Dump Fees $1,040
Acacia Total 31 13 98 108 $294,000 $272,686
Tractor and Spot
Mowing
16 - 11 $13,200 $0
Total 47 13* 109 $307,200 $272,686
A-2
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is very challenging and where visibility to determine the density of Acacia and interwoven
nature of native plants was very limited. As stated, the project took longer to accomplish
than predicted. As a result, the realized cost of removing an acre of Acacia varies between
$12K-27K per acre depending on the various project areas, with a total project average of
$21K per acre. This cost per acre includes the contractor cost to remove the Acacia and the
Land Conservancy’s cost to manage the project.
In the proposal, the Land Conservancy estimated roughly 10% of the project grant would
cover the cost to monitor the project and ensure it is conducted in compliance with the
Rancho Palos Verdes NCCP/HCP. Compliance measures include monitoring for biological
resources (native plants and nesting birds), flagging native plants for crews to avoid, and
coordinating minimization measures for crews and equipment to access Acacia sites safely.
This cost to manage the project is also based on days rather than lump sum estimate based
on acreage.
Recommendation for Remaining Project Funds
There is currently $34,514 remaining in the project grant ($21,314 currently designated for
Acacia removal and $13,200 for mowing).
With the remaining project funds for Acacia removal, the Land Conservancy recommends
mowing 16 acres of dry bruch in the mapped areas below (Three Sisters, Filiorum and San
Ramon), as well as targeting 2-3 acres of Acacia along Burma Road Trail in Portuguese Bend
Reserve. The Acacia along Burma are growing underneath power lines and near high-traffic
recreational trail activities to reduce threats of spreading in those areas and to enhance this
fire break in the Preserve. The Land Conservancy would coordinate with City staff to obtain
new quotes for this work instead of contracting with a time & materials contract for daily
rates.
The Acacia identified can be accessed along Burma Road trail which will allow crews to work
efficiently with equipment from trails and minimally enter habitat. 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.
A-3
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Acacia along Burma Road near Water Tank Trail
A-4
5
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 recommends that funds be allocated to
implement mowing as proposed. Land Conservancy staff will conduct this work to ensure costs
are controlled and the project will be accomplished as specified in the proposal. 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 as mapped below.
Filiorum Reserve at Kelvin Canyon Trail (adjacent to the Vanderlip Estate and Portuguese Bend homes)
A-5
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Three Sisters Reserve around McCarrel Canyon Trail
A-6
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San Ramon Reserve above Palos Verdes Drive East
Other Project Considerations
This project is a worthwhile investment into the long-term benefit to the communities alongside
the open space. We have received positive feedback from the Portuguese Bend community and
Ocean Front Estates HOA about the fuel load reduction efforts.
What is important to consider is that this was an ambitious pilot project that accomplished the
removal of large areas of Acacia and also resulted in some lessons learned that will inform future
Acacia removal projects. The work to remove Acacia was more challenging than anticipated due
to the extremely dense nature of the Acacia groves, the hard wood nature of the trees, as well
as challenges for tree removal crews to access areas over uneven terrain and limited accessibility
for heavy equipment. The cost to remove Acacia varied widely based on these issues. While
more costly per acre to implement this labor-intensive work to clear new areas compared to
the 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. To help ensure
this investment is successful, the Conservancy is offering to provide pro-bono staff and volunteer
monitoring of areas to prevent regrowth.
A-7
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Leveraged Funding and Community Partnerships
In total, the Land Conservancy secured $114,800 of matching funds and in-kind labor to help
implement this project and expand additional areas of fuel load reduction in the Preserve. These
funds were a direct result of the City of RPV’s funding of this pilot project.
1. The Acacia removal and mowing pilot project inspired the City of Rolling Hills to contribute
to this initiative in other areas of the Portuguese Bend Reserve. The City of Rolling Hills
contributed $34,200 to remove two acres of Acacia and mow 16 acres of dry weeds in Portuguese
Bend along the cities shared border to reduce the threat of fire reaching the very homes
threatened by the 2009 Portuguese Bend fire. Furthermore, they have agreed to contribute
$12,000 each year for three years to re-mow the same area to reduce the fuel load in the vicinity of
the city border. The Rolling Hills City Council has received good feedback from the work they
funded, and has since requested another proposal to expand the mowing and Acacia removal work.
The Land Conservancy is currently coordinating with RPV staff to review this expanded scope of
work to reduce fuel load.
2. The Land Conservancy also partnered with college interns to map existing and treated
Acacia and are monitoring potential areas of Acacia regrowth to ensure the removal is sustained.
From September 2019 to date, over intern 1500 hours were contributed to the project and
expanding the work achieved and made possible by this grant, totaling an estimated $36,000 of in-
kind labor.
3. The Land Conservancy provided the service of six Americorps members to work alongside
tree removal crews to help haul Acacia branches from remote areas to the chippers and trucks.
They helped speed up the removal work and augment the labor of the contracted crews. The
Americorps team was stationed with the Conservancy to conduct conservation projects between
January and March. Over seven weeks, the crew of six Americorps contributed approximately
$8600 of in-kind labor to removing Acacia.
A-8
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);
B-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.
B-2
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
B-3
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.
B-4
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
B-5
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
B-6
Paseo De La Luz area
Golden Cove Trail
B-7
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
B-8
Burma Road at Water Tank Trail
Burma Road at Toyon Trail
B-9
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
B-10
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
B-11
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
B-12
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
B-13
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
B-14
Three Sisters at McCarrel Canyon
B-15
San Ramon above Palos Verdes Drive East
B-16
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).
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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,
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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.
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