Project Overview

The Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council is planning a roadside clearance project in the Aldercroft Heights community, located in southern Los Gatos within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The implementation of this project will be completed in one phase and serve to enhance fire resiliency by reducing vegetation in the community and improving the functionality of the escape route during an evacuation, making it safer for travel. 

When

The SCCFSC is planning to begin the project from June 9, 2025, through June 20, 2025

Work will take place on weekdays from Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expected travel delays as work crews will conduct traffic control for lane closures when necessary.

Where

This roadside clearance project will take place along 10 roads in the community: Laurel Drive, Locust Drive, Oak Court, Old Mine Road, Panorama Drive, Panorama Heights, Roaring Water Way, Shady Lane, Sunshine Lane, and Sunnyside Road. 

This project will not include Aldercroft Heights Road.

Overall Treatment Specifications: 

There will be no live trees over 8” DBH removed, (either native or non-native) which are large enough to require a tree removal permit. If pruning is necessary for live trees over permit size, then not more than 25% of the canopy shall be removed. The removal of dead trees will be permitted. Vegetation disposal shall be conducted in a way that does not impact the natural vegetation or increase flammability. Treated vegetation material shall be mowed, masticated, or chipped, then broadcast back onto the roadside or removed to an offsite location. All broadcast material will not be permitted to accumulate to a depth of more than 6 inches, and shall not be broadcast into, on, or near any riparian or marked habitat location.