Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Director's Report Regarding Impact of Recent Storms on San Mateo County Parks
RECOMMENDATION:
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Accept this report regarding recent storm damage in the San Mateo County Parks System
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BACKGROUND:
Due to the unprecedented levels of precipitation, wind speeds, and wind gusts experienced during the first quarter of 2023, the San Mateo County parks system has sustained significant amounts of damage. Almost every park has experienced flooding, landslides, erosion, and/or falling trees. Consequently, several recreational trails and service/fire roads have been impacted by uprooted trees or earth movement, numerous picnic sites and campsites were damaged by falling trees, and critical park infrastructure and utilities have been damaged to the point where partial or full replacements are required. It will likely take several years for the parks system to recover.
Initial assessments conducted by staff indicate there are several factors that contributed to the magnitude of damage sustained in the County's parks system. First, throughout the system, trees had been stressed by extended drought conditions, leaving many weak and unable to withstand the severe storms experienced. Second, the volume and frequency of precipitation received resulted in elevated ground-saturation levels for long durations of time. This reduces the ability for trees' root systems to hold in high-wind events. Third, as trees either fell or were removed to reduce threats to public safety during storm events, the remaining grove structure changed, causing some trees to be directly exposed to wind for the first time. Lastly, public facilities and infrastructure in and around parks were not designed to withstand such severe storms causing the facilities and infrastructure to be overwhelmed and fail.
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The Parks Departme...
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