Fire mitigation to begin soon at Irvine’s Bommer Canyon Preserve.
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy Takes Action to Reduce Fire Risk at Bommer Canyon Preserve
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is embarking on a crucial mission to mitigate the risk of fire at the Bommer Canyon Preserve. Thanks to a generous million state grant secured in October, at the request of Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, the conservancy will commence its efforts this month.
Not only will the funding be allocated towards fire risk reduction, but it will also contribute to the restoration of a 50-acre portion of the preserve, as confirmed by conservancy officials.
According to CalFIRE, certain areas of Irvine, including the reserve, are already classified as being at very high risk of fire.
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Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris expressed her pride in collaborating with the City of Irvine to invest in proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks and fire-related air pollution. She highlighted the significance of initiatives like the Bommer Canyon project in an October statement when the funds were first announced.
Conservancy officials have identified that the preserve, situated south of Shady Canyon Drive, has become overrun with non-native grasses and weeds, posing a significant fire hazard. A portion of the grant will be utilized to replace these hazardous plants with less flammable native vegetation. The process will commence in October 2025, once the conservancy has prepared the land.
Robert Freese, the conservancy’s restoration and enhancement program manager, explained that the focus will primarily be on seeding coastal sage scrub, which includes sagebrush, buckwheat, black sage, and various wildflowers such as gum plant and lupine. Additionally, native species will be planted to serve as fire breaks along drainageways.
Visitors to the Bommer Meadow Trail will soon enjoy the shade provided by newly planted native oak and elderberry trees. To expedite the growth and eradication cycles of the current vegetation, mowing, fencing installation, and the implementation of an irrigation system will commence this month.
The project is projected to be completed by March 2026. However, the conservancy will continue to monitor the site for five years afterward to ensure the sustainability of the new vegetation.
As Bommer Canyon Preserve is a popular recreational spot, the conservancy plans to engage with the community through signage and educational materials, explaining the numerous benefits of the project as it unfolds.
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