The CalRecycle 2020 Fire Debris, Tree Removal Assessment and Management Services Project purpose was to assess and monitor debris removal caused by the CZU fires. Following FEMA eligibility criteria, site assessments of 1,200 private properties and Big Basin State Park, WSP planned and implemented debris removal operations to remove hazard debris and trees safely and efficiently from properties affected by the disaster.
The importance of the project was to provide economic recovery and support the well-being of the community affected by the disaster. Through coordinated efforts with local and state officials, the debris removal initiative eliminated the risk to public health and safety enabling stabilization of the community to restore and rebuild. Santa Cruz County is the home of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, established in 1902. WSP understood how important this historical landmark meant to the residents of Santa Cruz and the State of California and proudly accepted the opportunity to manage the debris removal program.
The CalRecycle 2020 Fire Debris, Tree Removal Assessment and Management Services Project played a beneficial role in allowing the Bay Branch community to rebuild and revitalize their economy. The stimulation of the economy for the community, citizens ability to return and rebuild their homes and lives are just a few of the benefits of the project. An additional post-disaster long-term benefit of the hazard debris removal program was seeing the return of animals to their natural habituate in the Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the surrounding Bay Branch area. The Bay Branch area is home to many endangered species, such as the marbled murrelet and condors.
