Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Proposes Tree Cutting for La Honda Forest Health
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is proposing a plan to cut down trees in the La Honda Forest as part of the La Honda Forest Health Project. This initiative aims to restore the health of densely forested areas within the La Honda Creek Open Preserve, which have been negatively impacted by logging in the 1800s. Leigh Ann Gessner, a public affairs specialist at Midpen, explained that the forest is currently overcrowded with second- and third-growth trees, preventing sunlight from reaching the forest floor and leading to a lack of plant and wildlife diversity. The project involves implementing restoration forestry techniques, including selectively thinning dense areas, to guide the forest back towards healthier, old-growth conditions. A Timber Harvesting Plan, which requires review by Cal Fire and a public review process, is necessary before the restoration can begin. The project's goals include improving forest health, watershed health, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and increasing r...
