Willits defensible space

After failing a CAL FIRE defensible space inspection, the new homeowners hired us to bring their property into compliance.

The area surrounding the residence contained a mix of fir, madrone, and dead standing pine and madrone trees. To reduce fire risk and improve defensible space, the work included:

• Thinning the treatment area to create proper spacing.

• Removing all dead standing trees.

• Clearing the understory and limbing remaining trees to reduce the vertical fuel ladder.

• Chipping and broadcasting all logs and limbs over the treatment area to inhibit future vegetation growth.

The project was completed using a Bandit 20XP tracked chipper and two CAT 309C excavators. The homeowners passed their subsequent CAL FIRE inspection.

This project involved a timberland conversion permitted through CAL FIRE, clearing land for residential development in unincorporated Fort Bragg.

Project Scope:

• Felled trees within the permitted conversion area, which were chipped and hauled off-site.

• Ground stumps to prepare the site for future development.

• Cleared dense vegetation using a combination of mastication and chipping.

Equipment Used:

• CAT 309 excavator with grapples

• CAT 299 track loader with a masticator head

• BANDIT 20XP track chipper

The project effectively prepared the site while adhering to CAL FIRE regulations, balancing land development with responsible vegetation management.

The majority of this one-acre parcel was inaccessible due to dense vegetation and downed trees. In preparation for selling the property, the owners hired us to restore access and improve overall aesthetics.

The work involved clearing thick underbrush and debris using our CAT 299D3 equipped with a masticator, opening up the property while enhancing its appearance and usability.

This fuels reduction project in the community of Gualala aimed to mitigate fire hazards caused by dense vegetation and fallen trees. The area consisted primarily of hazardous, dead, or dying manzanita, along with a significant number of downed trees.

To enhance safety and reduce fuel load, the project involved:

• Removing hazardous vegetation, manzanita, and all dead or dying trees.

• Limbing trees to reduce vertical fuel continuity.

• Clearing right-of-way along a road easement for improved access.

Equipment used:

• CAT 299 track loader with a masticator

• CAT 309 excavator with rotating grapples

• Bandit 20XP track chipper

• CAT 309 excavator with a masticator for right-of-way maintenance

The work effectively reduced fire risk and improved overall site conditions for the homeowner.

This project covered approximately eight acres of oak forest severely impacted by poison oak encroachment, which was strangling a significant portion of the oak tree population.

To restore the health of the ecosystem, the work involved:

• Removing diseased and dying oak trees.

• Eradicating poison oak to prevent further competition and stress on the remaining trees.

The intervention created a healthier environment, promoting the preservation and growth of the remaining oaks. The project was completed efficiently using a CAT 309 excavator and a CAT 299D3 compact track loader, both equipped with mulching heads.

This fuels reduction project in unincorporated Fort Bragg aimed to mitigate fire hazards in an area densely populated with huckleberry bushes and other vegetation, averaging 10 feet in height.

To improve safety and reduce fuel load, the work involved:

• Removing dense vegetation and trees under 8 inches in diameter.

• Clearing all dead or dying trees to reduce fire risk.

A CAT 299D3 compact track loader equipped with a masticator was used to complete the project efficiently and effectively.