Bonny Doon Area Tree Removal Permit

On June 12, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared the fire on Martin Road in Santa Cruz County a State Emergency. The fire burned 520 acres, primarily in the rare Sand Hills habitat. As a direct result of the fire, stressed ponderosa pine trees that survived have become infested with western pine beetle, further killing off the remaining ponderosas in the fire area, and have spread beyond the limits of the burn into the rural neighborhoods around the Martin Road Reserve. Dead and dying trees currently pose a threat to fall on roads and structures in the rural neighborhoods, and on passersby on the nature paths within the Martin Road Reserve. The County recognizes the threat to public health and safety posed by this situation and has issued a permit for local residents and the California Department of Fish and Game Martin Road Ecological Reserve to remove hazardous trees under certain conditions.

In order to be covered by this permit, a property owner in the area affected by the Martin Road Fire or subsequent beetle infestation has only to agree to abide by the conditions of the permit and to follow the step listed below. There are no fees associated with this permit.

1. Download the attached permit and read the conditions under which this permit may be exercised.
2. Fill out the signature page attached to the permit.
3. Submit the signature page only to the Planning Department, care of the Environmental Coordinator.
4. Keep the permit on site and have it accessible during tree removal.
5. If a tree company is hired to remove trees, give a copy of the permit to the operator.

2008 Martin Fire Significant Tree Removal Permit

For more information regarding this permit or tree removal in the Coastal Zone, please contact the Environmental Coordinator at pln458@co.santa-cruz.ca.us or (831) 454-3201.