Officials say Pescadero Canyon fuel-reduction work could begin within a month, pending permits

Carmel-by-the-Sea city staff reported plans to begin fire fuel-reduction work on city-owned land in Pescadero Canyon within about a month, pending biological-resource reviews and coastal development permits.

The Moderator said the city "have quotes from tree companies basically to go and do the work" and that staff are "making sure that there's no biological resources that would be disturbed and if there are biological resources, how we protect those" before proceeding. She added that because the site is in the coastal zone, "we have to process coastal development permits."

The update follows a recent council meeting appearance and a public demonstration that used goats to highlight vegetation-management needs. A Council member observed, "The goats were very exciting though," and noted the demonstration made the front page of the Pine Cone, underscoring local interest.

City staff said the timeline reflects standard environmental safeguards; work is being sequenced to avoid harming sensitive habitat and to meet regulatory requirements. The Moderator said she expects to include more detail in the city’s Friday letter to residents once permitting steps progress.

No vote or formal action was recorded on this item during the briefing. Staff described the steps they must complete before crews begin work: biological-resource surveys, mitigation plans if needed, and issuance of coastal development permits.