CITY HALL 1 FRANK H.

OGAWA PLAZA, 2
nd
Floor OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94612
Dan Kalb
COUNCILMEMBER ~ DISTRICT 1


(510) 238 7001



July 14, 2014

Mr. Alessandro Amaglio
Ms. Mary Simms
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX
1111 Broadway, Suite #1200
Oakland, CA 94607

Dear Mr. Amaglio and Ms. Simms:

As an elected public official in Oakland, I am very concerned about the danger of wildland fires in our
community. Moreover, the current drought conditions have heightened the potential fire hazard posed
by the dense eucalyptus forest in Claremont Canyon and the immediate surrounding area in the Oakland
hills.

We understand your agency is completing the required Environmental Impact Statement that will
facilitate the release of federal funds to reduce this fire hazard. I am writing in support of federal
funding to remove a substantial number of the eucalyptus trees in the identified areas of the Oakland
hills. The fire hazard posed by these trees is well documented. In Claremont Canyon, removal of most
of these dense tree clusters will help enable native species of Oak, Bay and Willow to regenerate
themselves as they have where eucalyptus was cleared earlier on the south side of Claremont Avenue.
The contrast between this area and the untreated eucalyptus forest across the road is illuminating.

While selective thinning of the eucalyptus trees will help in minimizing the likelihood of a major wildfire,
it could lead to continued blocking of sunlight, while failing to enable native species to regenerate.
Furthermore, periodic thinning would likely require ongoing maintenance and additional monetary
resources from the property owners to keep the fast growing eucalyptus sprouts from reclaiming the
area.

I know that the City of Oakland has submitted some revised language as requested by your office. I
respectfully urge you to approve the Environmental Impact Statement, allowing each of the three
landowners to move forward with the plan that suits them best. This will enable the City of Oakland to
substantially reduce the threat of wildland fire in order to best protect our residents.

Sincerely,


Dan Kalb
City Councilmember, District One (North Oakland)
City of Oakland