California Western Railroad

Noyo Forestry has begun providing services to Mendocino Railway, consisting of vegetation management operations along the California Western Railroad right-of-way. This historic railroad has been in operation since 1885, transporting passengers and cargo through the scenic redwood groves of Mendocino County. The Skunk Train, famous for its picturesque routes and unique railcars, continues to be a significant attraction in the region.

Our mechanical treatment consists of mastication, utilizing two of our CAT 309 excavators secured to a flatcar, which is towed by one of the railway’s locomotives. This project improves visibility for rail operations and decreases available fuel for fires, ensuring a safer and more efficient rail service. As this treatment is mechanical, it eliminates the need for herbicides. We’re very excited to have the opportunity to participate in improving this historic rail line, which is a driving force for our local economy.

This project for the Mendocino Redwood Company (MRC) on their timberlands in Annapolis aimed to clear approximately 2 acres of land overrun by large manzanita trees and dense fir and oak growth. This preparation was intended for the establishment of a future redwood clone plot, funded by a cooperative of commercial timberland owners.

The work involved masticating the thick manzanita and underbrush, felling a significant number of fir and oak trees, and masticating the resulting slash. The logs were decked for future use. The project was crucial in creating the necessary conditions for the successful cultivation of redwoods in the area, contributing to the sustainable management of commercial timberlands.

The Conservation Fund is a U.S. nonprofit organization with a dual charter to pursue environmental preservation and economic development. From 2008–2018, it has placed more than 500,000 acres under conservation management through a program whose goal is to purchase and permanently protect working forests. 

The photos below depict right-of-way maintenance in preparation for road repair and timber harvesting in the Big River area of Fort Bragg. Our CAT 309 excavator, equipped with a masticator, was utilized for this project. 

The Parker Ten Mile Ranch, located in Fort Bragg, CA, encompasses a Conservation Easement spanning approximately 2540 acres, dedicated to fostering Forest Habitat preservation. 

As shown by the accompanying before and after photographs illustrating the transformation, right-of-way maintenance was undertaken to ensure the upkeep of the roadways. To execute this maintenance, our team relied on our CAT 309 excavator, outfitted with a masticator, enabling us to efficiently maintain some of the right-of-way corridors within the ranch.