News Release
May 10, 2010
Tree thinning project to begin May 17 on the Concord Naval Weapons Station
The United States Forest Service (USFS), in coordination with U.S. Navy BRAC office, will begin a tree thinning and trimming project on the Inland portion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station on Monday, May 17. The project is expected to take four weeks. Work will be conducted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Forest Service planted and was responsible for maintenance of eight eucalyptus and pine tree plantations (or groves) on the site under lease from the Navy. The initial plantings occurred in the late 1960s.
The program will create a more defensible fire break between the plantations and existing neighborhoods along the western boundary of the base and will thin out smaller trees and debris to reduce fire fuels. The thinning of the plantations will also enhance the growth and health of the remaining trees and provide better habitat for birds and other wildlife on the base. A Forest Service biologist will be on hand to oversee the management of birds in the area.
The plantations are set aside as open space for recreation and habitat protection in the City of Concord's recently adopted Reuse Plan for the base.
For more information, contact Tim Howard, USFS Timber Management Officer, (530) 647-5382.