Resolution 2021-034 approving the Grant of Funds from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Fire Fuel Abatement Project and approving a Budget Amendment of $45,000 to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Adopted Budget

Adopt Resolution 2021-034 approving the Grant of Funds from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Fire Fuel Abatement Project and approving a Budget Amendment of $45,000 to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Adopted Budget. 

In April 2021, the City submitted an application to the State Coastal Conservancy for funding under the Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Grant Program. The purpose of the Program is to develop and implement projects that improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire in areas where people are living near open spaces. The City requested $45,000 to support fire fuel reduction efforts at the Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

On June 7, 2021, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy authorized funding totaling over $10.8 million for 33 projects throughout the coast of California, including $45,000 for the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Fire Fuel Abatement Project. The grant funds will be utilized to supplement funds from the City and the Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve to conduct invasive species and fire fuel management actions, particularly along the western edge of the Preserve where it abuts residential properties along Ridgewood Road, and on the eastern side of the Preserve, near Flander’s Mansion. Project and grant management will be provided by Public Works. Staff anticipates working closely with the Friends of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, PG&E, the Fire Department, and our consulting biologist, Nikki Nedeff, to ensure successful fire fuel abatement that will minimize impacts to sensitive habitats and species in the Preserve.

In order to disburse any grant funds, the State Coastal Conservancy requires that the City Council adopt a resolution designating a position that is authorized to negotiate and execute the Grant Agreement and amendments on behalf of the City (Attachment 1).

The City Council has allocated $10,000 to the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Restoration in the Environmental Division Contract Services fund of the Public Works Department (Account no. 101-119-43-42001) in Fiscal Year 2021-22. This grant will add $45,000 to this budget in Fiscal Year 2021/22, which brings the budget total to $55,000.

In May 2021, the Planning Commission approved a 5-year extension to the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Restoration Project. The CDP includes weed and fire fuel abatement as an authorized activity.