In early April 2022 crews finished Forest Health treatments at Wunderlich Park, with the exception of a few areas that will need to be revisited once bird nesting season is over.
Crews treated over 180 acres, selectively thinning dense stands of trees. Beneath the forest canopy, trees 8 inches or fewer in diameter have been removed, while in the open the same sized trees were selectively thinned to a distance of 15 to 20 feet apart. Standing dead trees 12 inches or fewer in diameter were removed. Crews left significant stands of huckleberry, toyon, and hazelnut, which provide important habitat for native species.
This work was concentrated along park boundaries, fire roads and residential roads. View a map of the treatment areas
Work areas were monitored to ensure that sensitive plant and animal species were protected. Best management practices were employed to prevent erosion.
Work of this kind not only protects nearby communities from fast-spreading wildfire by reducing fire fuel, but is key to maintaining a healthy forest as it promotes habitat diversity and forest resiliency against disease. Learn more about what a healthy forest looks like
Previous Forest Health Work in Wunderlich Park
In winter 2019/20, San Mateo County Parks and PG&E worked to restore native oak woodland habitat and reduce wildfire fuels in 16 acres of Wunderlich Park. The project included the removal of eucalyptus and acacia that have been progressively crowding out native plants and can increase the intensity and spread of wildfires. The area has since been planted with 1,800 oak acorn and California buckeye seeds, which continue to be monitored. In September 2020, crews worked to install erosion control elements in the restoration area.
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Partnering with RCD & CAL FIRE for Forest Health in Huddart & Wunderlich Parks
This project is a collaboration of San Mateo County Parks, San Mateo RCD and CAL FIRE, which aims to improve forest health in 402 acres in Wunderlich and Huddart parks, both located in the wildland-urban interface near the Town of Woodside.
Learn more about our Forest Health & Community Safety Initiative