Pillar Point Bluff Improvement Project Begins Next Week

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County Parks and Cal Fire will begin work next week to remove hazardous, unhealthy and invasive plants and trees at Pillar Point Bluff to reduce wildfire risks and improve the habitat along the eastern boundary of the park.

The work is slated to begin Wednesday along the Jean Lauter Trail and will include clearing unhealthy Montey Pines, non-native trees and invasive plants across 18 acres. Crews will use hand tools and mechanical equipment, including grinders and chippers, and use materials from smaller trees to help reduce weed growth.

The project was initially scheduled to take place in the spring but was delayed amid unrelenting storms.

While the work continues, hikers should expect daily trail closures near the work area. The Jean Lauer Trail will be closed from trail markers 13 to 15 from Wednesday to Friday.

Park staffers will help coordinate the work and ensure that plants and animals are protected during the project. After enough time passes, the county expects native plants like coyote brush, coffeeberry, buckwheat and wild strawberries will sprout in place of the old trees.

The Pillar Point Bluff project is one of nearly three dozen designed to improve wildfire safety and forest health in San Mateo County.