Wavecrest Fire Resiliency Project

The San Mateo Resource Conservation District, in partnership with Coastside Land Trust, CAL FIRE, and Xerces Society, is leading the Wavecrest Fire Resiliency Project–a multi-benefit initiative in Half Moon Bay that reduces wildfire risks and enhances monarch butterfly habitat.

Project highlights:

• Reducing hazardous eucalyptus fuels on 4.5 acres of CLT property at Wavecrest
• Improving emergency access and protecting surrounding neighborhoods
• Enhancing overwintering conditions for monarch butterflies
• Supporting the coastal prairie ecosystem

Schedule:

Work is planned for August–September 2025 and includes small tree thinning, limbing, removal of dead material, and stump treatment. The project will be monitored and maintained over the next five years.

Funding:

The project is funded as a demonstration project under the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program, administered by the California Department of Conservation with support from the State Coastal Conservancy. The RFFC Program aims to build local and regional capacity to plan, prioritize, and implement forest health and wildfire resilience projects across California. Through this program, the Wavecrest project serves as a model for integrating wildfire risk reduction with ecological stewardship in coastal communities. Additional funding comes from CAL FIRE’s California Climate Investments program.

The project utilizes the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation to expedite wildfire safety actions under CEQA and the Coastal Act.

Project Contact:

John Martinez, john@sanmateoRCD.org