
Many neighbors, activists, and environmentalist are outraged, citing that UC's plan would cause irreparable damage to the century old grove. The forest has thrived for so many decades due to its' microclimate as being cool and moist. The forest promotes fog and blocks the wind. Dr. Mascaro, a professional ecologist stated that, "by thinning the forest and removing most of the understory vegetation, the management activity will open the canopy of the forest resulting in drier and hotter duff on the forest floor and a greater risk of fire." If that's the case then why does UCSF think that removing trees will decrease fire risk if Dr. Mascaro has proven otherwise.
Sutro Forest is a lovely place to just get away from the city's hustle and bustle. This past weekend I went for a walk in Sutro Forest (up to Mt. Sutro via the Stanyan Gate and out the Edgewood Gate). I noticed tons of orange blogs of paint on some of the trees. Supposedly, these trees might have been tagged because they might be in poor condition and likely to fall or drop a limb. Along with the orange blobs came hand written notes that said, "Please don't cut me down...". The notes suggested contacting UCSF Campus Planning, Attention Diane Wong before March 19th 2013. All public comments on UCSF's Draft Environmental Impact Report are due by March 19th (tomorrow). Do you have comments about UCSF's plan?! Write to them (even if it's after March 19th), UCSF needs to know our side of the story.
Address your notes to Ms. Lori Yamauchi, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Planning.
Let's help to #SaveSutro! Sign the petition here!
http://sutroforest.com/
http://www.ucsf.edu/about/cgr/current-projects/mount-sutro-open-space-reserve
http://synapse.ucsf.edu/articles/2013/03/07/mt-sutro-forest-management-sparks-community-debate
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/sutro-forest_n_2729240.html