PG&E Removal of Wood Debris Program from Trees Cut Down after 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire
Landowners must opt-in to have large-diameter wood removed from their property
Landowner Opt-In Permission Form >
Please complete the permission form to the best of your ability, including:
- Parcel APN
- Parcel Address
- Estimated of number of trees/logs
- Approximate diameter and lengths
- Clear landowner contact information
Landowners should receive an email confirmation that their completed permission form has been received within five business days. While weather, ground conditions, and safety precautions may impact PG&E's wood management schedule, landowners will be notified directly by the PG&E contractor crew assigned to the area in the coming months when work is able to proceed.
Additional questions about this work can be directed to WildfireWoodManagement@pge.com or 1-877-295-4949.
As part of a settlement agreement with the County of Santa Cruz related to a Public Utilities Commission complaint regarding tree removal operations by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, PG&E has agreed to remove wood debris on private property.
PG&E has completed direct outreach to affected property owners to request permission to remove the debris that PG&E and its contractors left onsite. This is an opt-in program. Our current records, provided by PG&E, indicate that there may be approximately 1,200 impacted parcels in the CZU Lightning Complex fire footprint. While the deadline to submit landowner permission forms was January 31, 2022, PG&E will continue to accept forms as long as crews are still working in the area. We strongly encourage impacted landowners to opt in as soon as possible to participate in this program. To make the process of participating easier, the County has provided a link (see above) to a fillable form that will be sent directly to PG&E. Customers who have questions may call PG&E directly at 1-877-295-4949.
According to a PG&E press release, its wood haul program “includes planning and implementation steps to ensure the safety and success of the program, such as environmental review, site visits, landowner coordination and resource management. For the safety of PG&E’s customers, communities and crews, wood management that may require additional equipment or coordination will be addressed once PG&E is able to determine a path forward.” PG&E contractor crews will perform this work weather permitting and will carry identification to provide upon request.