Efforts to balance safety and environmental conservation continue as Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger secures detailed protocols from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the removal of hazardous trees in Altadena, following the Eaton Fire cleanup process, with transparency and property owner involvement positioned at the fore of this operation. In a briefing, it was confirmed that only trees posing impending threats to public safety are targeted for removal, subject to FEMA guidelines and a certified arborist's assessment, as per details shared by Barger's office.
In the prioritization of community values, Col. Sonny Avichal of the USACE articulated that crews are exercising caution in their approach and communicate with homeowners directly before commencing debris clearance, even displaying how such trees will be marked—a barcode with a unique ID number surrounded by a blue circle near the ground, and three blue dots above, ensuring visibility. This information complements the tree marking diagram provided in a recent release, indicating that not all tagged trees are destined for removal, with the owner's preferences taking precedence.
Residents wishing to keep trees standing have recourse through their Right of Entry forms and can detail their wishes during the on-site walkthroughs, essential steps recommended by the Corps. In her briefing, Barger emphasized the community's right to advanced notification and the irreplaceable character trees contribute to Altadena, vowing her commitment to tree preservation efforts in the face of recent social media outcries over tree removals and pledging proactive measures to shield these local treasures.
For a go-ahead on any tree removal, the USACE requires the consent of the property owner—a safeguard Barger praised, citing the importance of staying in tune with the homeowners' decisions. Drawing attention to these procedures aligns with her sensory opposition to unnecessary tree cutting and echoes her devotion to preserving the local ecology.
More details about the specific markings for hazardous trees and USACE's engagement with the community can be found in the released guidelines. moreover, Barger's commitment and the clarity provided by the USACE were reported by her office's statement on the tree removal process.
