Strawberry Canyon Project

UC, using FEMA “pre-disaster mitigation” funding, is now proposing to cut ~50 acres of eucs, pines, and acacias in Strawberry Canyon.

Here are some facts about this project:

1. •UC plans to cut 10,000 eucalyptus trees and an unknown number of Monterey pines and acacia trees in the Strawberry Canyon watershed. The result of this large-scale clearcutting will be the creation of an ecological dead zone.
   

1. •This project will go on for 24 to 36 months, resulting in closures of Centennial Drive and persistent chainsaw and wood chipper noise.
   

1. •The University has made no guarantees that logging will not take place during the rainy season. Logging during wet periods will cause increased amounts of soil erosion and runoff into creeks and streams.
   

1. •Following the initial cut, approximately 15,000 ounces of potent herbicide will be applied to the remaining stumps.
   

1. •Annual re-application of this herbicide will be required for as long as 10 years after the initial application.
   

1. •There is a significant risk of both herbicide and soil runoff making its way into Berkeley streams, storm sewers, and ground water.
   

The Hills Conservation Network believes that this project will irreparably damage not only Strawberry Canyon, but those who live “downstream.” We have proposed more measured methods to achieve fire safety, but the University is not listening. We wonder why. Perhaps fire risk reduction is not the primary purpose of this project as currently defined.