Helping to Build Knowledge and Resilience at Your Santa Cruz Mountains Forestland through Applied Research and Extension
From moist coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) communities to dry ridgetops dotted with knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), and riparian areas bursting with color from bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains span over 250,000 acres in Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. These forest communities are iconic elements of the natural landscape, valuable resources for the local economy, and cherished recreational venues for visitors and residents alike. However, they face significant threats due to increased forest fuel loading and density, high-severity fires, climate change, and forest pests and diseases.
Maintaining healthy, productive forest systems is achievable through collaborative stewardship. Help, resources, and research are available through the UC Extension Forestry Program for Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. Brian Woodward, University of California Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor, runs a forest research and extension program serving all forest managers, owners, and residents seeking information on forest management, forest health, forest ecology, and related topics in the Santa Cruz Mountains region.
Regionally Important Links on Forests and Fire
Defensible Space, Tree Removal, and Permitting
For the Homeowner: Defensible Space FAQs
Forest Advisor Mailing List and Newsletter
Join the Santa Cruz Forests Mailing List!
Area Fire Advisor
Fire Advisor for the Central Coast
Forest Ecology, Climate Change, and Spatial Data
Conifers of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Climate Change Adaptation in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Postfire Response of Coast Redwood Communities
Post-CZU Fire Maps and GIS Data
Management Organizations and Resources
Burn Pile Factsheet: Permits, Air Quality, Construction and More
Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association
Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network
Your Opinion Counts!
Help shape the research and extension activities of your region. Forest Advisor Brian Woodward is currently conducting a program Needs Assessment where he speaks to community members, land managers, and interested parties on the most pressing issues facing forestland in Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. Your guidance will be used directly as your advisor works to conduct applied research and extension in your region.
Have a forest management or ecology question that can be answered with UC research?
Forest Advisor Brian Woodward works with landowners and managers throughout the region to conduct applied research on forest management, ecology, fire, and wildlife.
Reach out today to schedule a site visit
Proudly Serving Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties
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