Title
Planning and Building Department, Code Enforcement Division, recommending the Board direct staff to initiate enforcement actions to remove hazardous trees in the Grizzly Flats community that pose a risk to County right-of-way.
FUNDING: N/A
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BACKGROUND
August 2026 will mark five (5) years since the Caldor Fire swept through Grizzly Flats, leaving behind widespread tree mortality and long-term ecological damage. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the State of California implemented a free Hazardous Debris Removal Program that included the removal of hazardous trees. Debris removal, including hazardous trees, occurred through two primary pathways: the State-run Right of Entry (ROE) Program and an Alternative Private Program for property owners who preferred to manage debris removal independently. Arborist assessments conducted during that period focused on identifying trees that posed an immediate danger or were at risk of mortality within a five-year window. Many trees that appeared stable at the time have since deteriorated due to soil loss, erosion, and ongoing ecological stress.
The ROE for the Caldor Fire Hazardous Debris Removal program was valid for 36 months from the date of the Owner’s signature or from the date the program was completed, as determined by the State and/or County, whichever was sooner. All ROEs for the Caldor Fire Hazardous Debris Removal program have since expired.
Through the Caldor Fire Hazardous Debris Removal program, 770 ROEs were obtained. Of these, 595 were full debris removal, and 175 were for trees only. Abatement on five properties was pursued. The County obtained court orders and posted abatement notices on properties; however, the State ultimately completed the cleanup. Despite the State's efforts to remove hazardous debris under its strict standards, numerous trees have died since the clean-up was completed.
In 2022, the El Dorado Resource Conservation District (RCD) secured $500,000 in grant funding to...
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