Mission Tackling hazardous eucalyptus stands threatening our roads and community.

Bolinas Eucalyptus Project (BEP) is working to solve a problem confronting the town of Bolinas. A grove of hazardous, aging trees, with more and more falling, increasingly blocking access to and from town and repeatedly damaging power lines. We recognize a need to take action against the dangerous conditions associated with the massive, failing eucalyptus stand at the junction of Mesa and Olema-Bolinas roads. We are committed to a holistic approach concerning habitat, limited water, and land stewardship.

  • Overgrown, overcrowded, and neglected, these trees endanger the town's sole vehicle and bicycle access. Dozens have fallen in recent years, damaging cars, injuring passengers, severing power lines, and blocking the Mesa bike trail.

    Recognizing the urgency, a group of concerned citizens formed the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project (BEP), a non-profit organization fiscally sponsored by the Bolinas Community Center.

    Our goal is to remove this 11.9-acre portion of the eucalyptus stand, replicating the success of other coastal communities facing similar challenges. These trees are a fire hazard, block evacuation routes, and deplete groundwater. Removal will eliminate these threats and pave the way for the restoration of the area with native California plants (details available in the BEP Restoration Outline for Zone 5).

  • Over 500 tax- and utility-paying residents signed a petition supporting the removal of eucalyptus trees in Zone 5 of the BCPUD sewer pond lands. This invasive species dominates the area, hindering biodiversity and posing a significant threat.

    Zone 5 eucalyptus endanger:

    • Bolinas Town access and Point Reyes National Seashore access

    • Downtown access for residents on the Mesa

    • Emergency responder access

    • Evacuation routes

    • Electrical reliability

    As the sole route to town and the school, addressing this issue is critical.

    BEP Takes Action:

    • We partnered with BCPUD to develop proposals for County and State approval.

      • We partnered with BCPUD to develop proposals for County and State approval.

      • Secured letters of support from the Bolinas Fire Protection District and other impacted parties, as well as local entities.

    • Commissioned three arborists who recommend complete removal.

    • Hired environmental consultants to prepare a Biological Site Assessment and protected species assessment.

    • Confirmed alignment with the Bolinas Community Plan.

  • The Eucalyptus in Bolinas: A Historical Perspective

    Introduced for Utility, Now a Threat

    Between 1856 and the 1930s, California saw a surge in eucalyptus planting, with around 40,000 acres of blue gum eucalyptus imported from Australia. These fast-growing trees served as windbreaks and potential lumber sources, thriving in the coastal fog belt where native forests had been cleared. However, their story took a turn.

    Fog, Water, and Unintended Consequences

    Foggy weather and abundant groundwater fueled the eucalyptus' spread beyond their planting sites, significantly altering local landscapes and ecosystems. Their toxic sap and flammable nature further hampered the growth of native vegetation.

    Bolinas and the Legacy of Trimming

    The current hazard posed by Bolinas' roadside eucalyptus stems from past practices. Decades of topping and trimming by PG&E and fire agencies, while intended to manage growth near power lines, ultimately weakened the trees. Removing them before they reached such a size would have been a better solution.

    The Challenge at Hand

    Today, 48 massive eucalyptus trees stand along roads and power lines within Bolinas and Zone 5. These giants,structurally compromised by past trimming, pose a significant threat. Learning from past mistakes, the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project aims to address this issue through responsible removal and restoration.

  • Beyond Structural Issues

    Even beyond the structural weaknesses caused by past trimming, these eucalyptus trees pose several safety hazards:

    • Dead Wood: A significant amount of dead wood accumulates high in the canopies. These large branches could fall and damage vehicles or injure people, as has already happened. This abundance of dead wood indicates the overall poor health of the trees.

    • Deteriorating Health: While the smaller trees at the edge of Zone 5 appear healthy, deeper within the grove, the situation worsens. Many trees show signs of decline, with dead or dying tops and limbs. This condition, called "retrenchment," indicates the trees are undergoing significant stress and are no longer safe near roads, power lines,or walkways.

    • Top-Heavy and Unstable: Past trimming practices, particularly the removal of lower branches for fire prevention,have resulted in top-heavy trees. These trees have minimal foliage at the lower levels and concentrate their weight at the top. This makes them vulnerable to strong winds, as evidenced by the numerous trees that fell during recent winter storms. Saturated ground weakens the root system's grip further, increasing the risk of toppling.

    Why Pruning Isn't Enough

    While pruning might address some issues in healthy trees, it's not a viable solution for the Bolinas eucalyptus grove due to their extensive problems:

    • Extensive Damage: The structural weaknesses and dead wood are widespread throughout the grove. Pruning wouldn't be enough to address the overall risk.

    • Top-Heavy Form: Removing more branches would exacerbate the top-heaviness, making the trees even more unstable.

    • Underlying Health: The dead and dying branches are symptoms of deeper health problems within the trees.Pruning wouldn't address the root cause of their decline.

  • The once-healthy eucalyptus grove in Bolinas is suffering from a combination of factors:

    • Drought: Experts believe prolonged periods of low rainfall are a major cause. This stress may have been worsened by the thinning done in 2014 to reduce fire risk. Interestingly, un-thinned eucalyptus stands elsewhere in Bolinas remain healthy, suggesting the thinning might have inadvertently weakened these trees.

    • Tortoise Shell Beetle: While these beetles don't kill the trees directly, their constant feeding and the energy the trees expend replacing lost leaves take a toll on the already drought-stressed eucalyptus.

    • Turning Point Reached: Unfortunately, most trees have reached a critical point where recovery is unlikely. They might survive for a while, but they'll never regain full health or become structurally sound again.

  • The Bolinas Eucalyptus Project (BEP) is working closely with BCPUD to secure funding for the safe removal of these hazardous trees. Liability falls among three entities; BPUD, PG&E, & County of Marin, depending on the tree location in the grove. 

    Following removal, BEP will oversee the replanting of native California vegetation, restoring the height-appropriate health and ecological balance of the area.

  • The most significant impact of the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project will be on traffic flow. To ensure safety during tree removal, there will be temporary delays on nearby roads for a few months.

    We understand this may cause some inconvenience, similar to the recent CalTrans Highway One tree removal project. However, this temporary disruption is necessary to address years of neglect and create a safer, healthier environment for the long term.

    It will be a fascinating, worthwhile process.

  • Once the eucalyptus trees are removed, the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project will focus on restoring the area's natural beauty and ecological health:

    • Grinding Stumps for Regeneration: Stumps will be ground into a nutrient-rich mulch that will be spread throughout the site, providing a foundation for native plant growth.

    • Protecting Existing Natives: Native plants like coast live oak, coffeeberry, and toyon will be carefully preserved whenever possible.

    • Expert-Led Restoration: Judith Lowry, our native plant expert, and an award-winning landscaping contractor will lead the restoration plan, ensuring the success of this crucial phase. (Details available on our website in the "Restoration Outline for Zone 5").

  • Funding this critical project to remove the hazardous eucalyptus trees and restore the Bolinas landscape is a community effort. The Bolinas Eucalyptus Project relies on a combination of generous donations, grant opportunities, and local fundraising initiatives. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. If you'd like to be a part of creating a safer, healthier Bolinas, please visit our website or email us at info@bolinaseucalyptusproject.org to learn more about how you can support the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project.

Meet the Team

  • Mark Fraser

    A dedicated member of the Bolinas community, Mark saw an opportunity to address the challenge posed by the large, aging eucalyptus trees. His efforts in bringing people together laid the groundwork for this project. His passing serves as a powerful reminder of our collective commitment to making Bolinas a safer place.

  • Jonna Alexander Green

    A resident designer and property owner, Jonna understands the importance of responsible land management. She recognizes the value of tree work in mitigating risks to both safety and property. Jonna's commitment to the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project stems from her desire to improve safety on major roads and raise awareness about the challenges posed by eucalyptus trees in our community.

  • Jon Cozi

    Jon brings a wealth of experience to the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project, having worked in the tree care industry for four decades. For the past twenty years, he's witnessed firsthand the declining health of the eucalyptus groves in Bolinas, particularly those within Zone 5 where he's resided for two decades. His experience provides valuable insight into the challenges we face.

  • Howard Dillon

    A resident of Bolinas for four decades, Howard wears many hats. An actor of Irish descent, he's deeply committed to the well-being of Bolinas' people, native plants, and wildlife. Howard serves on the Board of the Bolinas Community Land Trust (BCLT) and volunteers his programming skills at the local radio station KWMR. He also co-founded the Grand Union Housing Co-operative in London.

  • Rudi Ferris

    A Bolinas resident since 1964, Rudi's passions lie in both natural and human history. A dedicated environmentalist, he's been involved in numerous local projects since his early opposition to the Lagoon Development. Rudi's service on the Bolinas Lagoon Advisory Council exemplifies his ongoing commitment to the community's well-being and a healthy environment.

  • Judith Lowry

    For 45 years, Judith Larner, proprietor of Larner Seeds, has championed California native plants and seeds. Witnessing the decline of local plant communities ignites her dedication to restoration. Her deep knowledge of the land guides the beautiful revegetation plan she's mapped for Zone 5, drawing on remnants of the once-vibrant ecosystem.

  • Janice Tweedy

    An environmental activist and amateur naturalist for over 45 years, Janice has witnessed firsthand the unchecked spread of eucalyptus into the local ecosystem, threatening native plant communities. Deeply concerned, she's committed to the BEP's efforts to restore balance. Janice is thrilled to be a part of this vital initiative and to continue the efforts of the BEP.

  • Ashley White

    A Southern Marin resident with her heart set on Bolinas. Ash has spent years working on California’s restoration efforts, fostering a deep appreciation for native revegetation. She enjoys advocating for our local ecosystems through fundraising and community organizing. You can find her horseback riding a ridge trail or casting a line as an avid angler across West Marin.

Members of the Bolinas Eucalyptus Project 2024