Palomar Mountain News

Hello Neighbors,

The very quick ‘Tour de Trees’ was fruitful. I was told to make it clear that this post is coming from me as a concerned community member, only.

Two people came and by the time we took off, we only had about 40 minutes so didn’t stop to get out. We looked out my car windows and saw many tall, standing dead trees over structures and parking areas. It was very obvious that a lot of properties and along our little roads should really have tree (and brush) work done to make the neighborhoods more fire safe. Many of the trees we saw are very dangerous with the potential for falling branches that could damage structures or vehicles (at a minimum) and it was quite obvious they should be taken care of sooner than later.

Since the grant funds arrived last fall, the funds aren’t going to be sent back, they are to be used on Palomar eventually. I was told there are still environmental issues to check off. This should be accomplished by the end of their fascial year which is September 30th.

However, when the work begins, the best use of the crew’s time is to start in one area, perhaps the east side of Birch Hill and work toward the Fire Station. So, even when progress is being made on the grant, there is no guarantee when your particular trees will be done.

I’ve connected with several folks already with this info, encouraging them to have their cabins made safe and not wait on the grant. Most all the cabin properties on Birch Hill and across Crestline are on the map for tree work but even after it starts, it could be done right away or it could be months before the crews could get to your property.

Trees will not be cut down if they are alive. So even if a tree is inches from your cabin, unless it is obviously ‘dead or dying’, the grant cannot take it down. If it is out in the open and not a risk of falling on a structure, it won’t come down with this grant. There are locals and tree companies who will do the work. You are welcome to reach out to me for recommendations and I do plan a post with a list for some options. It might be a good idea to go together in a neighborhood to get a crew to do multiple properties at the same time.

We’re thankful we do have a grant heading our way. It was made very clear that Stan Hill is the contact person. I’m glad the two folks came up for their tour. We all hope the work they need to accomplish to give the ok to ‘go to work’ happens soon!

Bonnie Phelps

PS. The link I included above with Stan’s contact info has a pretty clear photo of why you don’t want to wait if you have a dangerous tree near your structures.