UC Berkeley Police Department to remove hazardous trees |
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01 October 2003 ATTENTION: Assignment and photo desks, TV crews |
Contact:
Carol Hyman
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WHAT
At the height of the fire season, an opportunity to observe the major removal by the University of California, Berkeley, of almost 12 acres of eucalyptus in a particularly fire-prone grove at the headslope of Claremont Canyon. The clearance is one of the campus's efforts to prevent wildland fires in the hills. It also has resulted in opening up stunning views from Grizzly Peak.
This grove, on campus property, sits on a low saddle between higher East Bay hills topography and acts as a natural funnel to direct hot easterly Diablo winds westward and down through the dense chaparral of Claremont Canyon.
Recently, there have been several suspicious fires in this area.
WHEN
10-11:30 a.m., Friday, October 3
WHERE
The work site is at the intersection of Claremont and Grizzly Peak boulevards. Parking for news trucks will be accommodated along the shoulder of Grizzly Peak south of Claremont.
WHO
Tom Klatt, director of emergency planning for the UC Berkeley Police Department, and David Mandel, UC Berkeley environmental and long-range planner, will be available for interviews at the tree removal site. Crews will be clearing eucalyptus during this time
DETAILS
This project continues the transformation of the canyon to a more fire-safe and beautiful environment and is being done in conjunction with other public agencies. East Bay Region Parks, East Bay MUD, the City of Oakland and UC Berkeley are conducing major projects in this area in a collaborative approach at improving wildland fire safety.