Too Much Chaparral Clear-Cutting?

A public “call to arms” was issued by the Environmental Defense Center on 12/14, asking Santa Barbara residents to take notice and fight against what it described as a “recent rash of chaparral clear-cuts” near San Marcos Pass. Although designed to reduce fire threats, the EDC statement reads, the cleared areas are far away from homes and often become infested with invasive flammable weeds, defeating the intended purpose of shrinking fire-vulnerable habitat in the area. “Acres are being clear-cut without any surveys for rare plants and wildlife or measures to protect the environment,” the statement says, and loss of chaparral swaths can lead to erosion, habitat loss, water pollution, and ruined scenic view. Concerned residents, directs the EDC, should write County Supervisor Janet Wolf a short email.