Calaveras Supervisors Approve Arborist: Edson Critical Of Lack Of Consultant

San Andreas, CA — Calaveras County approved a $1.2 million contract with a firm related to Arboricultural and Tree Removal Monitoring Services in the Butte Fire burn area.

There are an estimated 5,882 damaged trees along the county’s roadways that require removal due to the hazardous conditions the trees present to the traveling public. However, in order to receive reimbursement from FEMA for costs to actually remove the trees, the county must first complete a thorough assessment and documentation of every tree that presents a hazard.

The contract with Tetra Tech Inc. was approved unanimously by the supervisors this morning. 75% of the cost will be covered by FEMA with 25% shared by CAL OES and the county. Citing that time is of the essence to remove hazardous trees, Board Chair Cliff Edson expressed to county staff that this action should have been completed a month ago, and he is upset that there is not currently a consultant also on board to help begin coordinate what will be the following step, which is physically removing the dead trees.

Edson said, “When trees starting falling down, we have a safety issue, and that is happening. I am concerned about safety for our people. That is my issue. We need to move on it now…I’ve been trying to move this forward for a month.”

County staff members stated that there are preliminary talks underway with a prospective consultant, and follow-up discussions will soon be scheduled.