CAL FIRE CZU crews began work in mid February on the Graham Hill Expansion Fuel Reduction Project, aimed at enhancing wildfire safety along Graham Hill Road. The project, located on property owned by the Mount Hermon Association, is designed to complement recent fuel reduction work by California State Parksnearby.
By creating a shaded fuel break, CAL FIRE aims to reduce vegetation buildup, providing firefighters with a strategic location to slow or stop an advancing wildfire. The project is adjacent to the entrance to Ponderosa Lodge.
In addition to improving fire safety, the work is expected to benefit the local environment, including the unique Santa Cruz Sandhills, a rare ecosystem with sandy soils that retain little moisture.
The area supports native Ponderosa Pines, which are currently threatened by dense understory growth from tan oaks and Douglas fir.
Key features of the project include:
- Habitat Preservation: Woody debris larger than 12 inches will remain onsite to support wildlife.
- Sandhills Protection: Vegetation will not be chipped directly onto sandy soils to preserve the ecosystem.
- Project Operations: Crews will chip vegetation in forested areas and create burn piles in open stands. Trails in the project area will be closed until April 1, 2026.
The initiative highlights a dual goal of wildfire preparedness and ecosystem conservation, reinforcing the importance of strategic vegetation management in Santa Cruz County’s fire-prone landscapes.
