San Rafael Readies For Extensive Vegetation Cleanup

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Crews next week in San Rafael will start an extensive roadside vegetation clearance project in multiple parts of the city, officials said.

The project starts Oct. 11 in the West End and Gerstle Park neighborhoods.

The work will continue later this month in the Bret Harte, Picnic Valley and Fairhills neighborhoods.

The city’s contractor, West Coast Arborists, will perform the work, officials said.

The clearance project will focus on removing branches, thinning, and removing vegetation.

The City of San Rafael is part of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA).

In 2020, Marin County voters passed special tax Measure C , which established a Joint Powers Authority, the MWPA, to fund and oversee proactive state-of-the-art wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts within the County.

The purpose of the project is to improve the safety of San Rafael roadways for routine use, emergency access, and emergency evacuation throughout neighborhoods, particularly in the hillsides of the San Rafael Zone, officials said.

Improving the vegetation clearance along the identified routes will ensure safer routine use through improved visibility and clearance while also improving evacuation for residents and better access for first responders and emergency vehicles.

The project will also improve access by local fire departments, improve visibility, and reduce heat exposure for evacuating residents in the event of an approaching wildfire.

Detours will be in place.

Motorists are advised follow all posted traffic directional signs and traverse with caution.

For questions or inquiries call the San Rafael Fire Department’s Vegetation Management Specialist, Mary Skramstad at (415) 485-3304.