Pescadero Creek County Park: A Community’s Commitment to Ecological Restoration
Pescadero Creek County Park spans over 5,900 acres near Loma Mar, California. This beautiful area was once heavily logged, especially in the mid-20th century, when redwoods and Douglas firs were cut down extensively. When San Mateo County acquired the park in the 1970s, most of the trees had already been removed, leading to a landscape dominated by second-growth forest.
In recent years, Pescadero Creek Park has faced multiple challenges. Drought, development pressures, and climate change have all impacted its ecosystem, making it less resilient. The trees have become overcrowded, and invasive species threaten native plants.
A significant fire in 2020, known as the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, burned more than 2,800 acres of the park. In response, the Pescadero Creek Climate & Habitat Resiliency Plan was developed. This plan focuses on restoring native species and increasing the forest’s resilience to future events, like fires and disease.
One of the plan’s main actions is to manage tree density. Currently, there are about 300 trees per acre in some areas. The goal is to reduce this to around 100-150 trees per acre. This involves selective tree removal and thinning of overgrown areas, which should help prevent wildfires while protecting sensitive ecosystems.
Feedback from the community has been mixed. Many appreciate the proactive approach to climate resilience, but some worry about possible ecological disruption. Critics point out that thinning might harm wildlife habitats and contribute to carbon loss, which is crucial for fighting climate change. Suggestions have been made to utilize removed trees for habitat creation or other uses rather than selling them.
Public workshops and guided hikes were held to gather more input from residents. Unfortunately, the attendance was low, raising concerns about whether the approach truly represented community views.
Despite differing opinions, community involvement signifies a strong commitment to the park’s future. The ongoing discussions reflect the delicate balance between ecological restoration and local engagement.
Plans were revised to address concerns, following regulations set by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The updated plan received approval from the San Mateo County Supervisors in July 2025.
In August 2025, a guided hike took place in the park, offering participants insights into the finalized plan. Forest experts discussed tree selection criteria and thinning methods, aiming to promote forest health. They also emphasized the importance of monitoring carbon storage as restoration progresses.
The community’s passion for Pescadero Creek County Park shines through in these discussions. Stakeholders aim to ensure that the park not only thrives ecologically but also fosters a deep connection with the community.
For further reading on Pescadero Creek’s history and restoration efforts, you can check the official Pescadero Creek Park page.
