Soquel State Forest planning THP near Forest of the Nisene Marks State Park

PANORAMIO Photo By lieneHelmig

THP 1-13-027 SCR (Comstock Mill THP) Soquel State Forest, 240 acres; 80% selection, 10% fuel break, 10% hardwood removal, misc roadside logging.  Soquel Creek (MD: T10S R1W Sec.2, 11, 12).  Wet weather operations, high erosion hazard, steep slopes up to 80%, landslide terrain, road failure sites, 59 road drainage work sites, coho watershed, western pond turtle within 1.5 mi, scattered old growth redwoods.  Estimated public comment deadline: 05/24/13.

This THP is about 3 miles NE of the town of Scotts Valley near Santa Cruz and Highway 17 at an elevation of 600 - 1,400 feet.  Cal State Forest Soquel is planning a tractor selection logging operation amongst second and third growth redwood, with some Douglas fir adjacent to the Forest of the Nisene Marks State Park.  There are 11 unstable areas including debris slides, steep headwall swales outside of THP units, and 59 road drainage work sites including ditch repair, rocking, dip construction and culvert repair/replacement.  25 acres of Alternative Prescription are planned to remove excess brush and hardwoods, and to re-plant with conifers.   2 skid trails are planned on slopes over 50% with a high erosion hazard rating. More information is available on the THP Tracking Center website.

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