Map shows the two sections of the Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve in yellow. The larger of the two, the Bayview Unit is where Cal Fire plans to burn numerous piles of cut vegetation in an attempt to lessen the wildfire risk.
Cal Fire was slated to conduct prescribed burns in a wildlife area in Los Osos to reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire that could threaten a couple of neighborhoods in Los Osos.
Cal Fire /County Fire and the Air Pollution Control District collaborated on the plans to deliberately set ablaze piles of cut vegetation in a sizable segment of a State Fish & Wildlife ecological reserve located on the lower flanks of the Irish Hills off Broderson Avenue.
The burning is being done in the larger of two sections that make up the 286-acre Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve. The burning is in the Bayview Unit of the Reserve. It lies behind the Redfield Woods neighborhood.
The smaller segment of the reserve is called the Pecho Unit and it lies across Pecho Valley Road.
“This operation,” reads the notice from Cal Fire, “is designed to promote regeneration of three rare, threatened, and endangered plant species that are either fire-dependent or benefit from fire: Bishop Pine, Morro Manzanita, and Indian Knob Mountain balm, a wildflower species.
“The project will also reduce the accumulation of flammable vegetation that contributes to catastrophic wildfires, to increase community wildfire defense.”
That last part should bring some comfort to homeowners in that area of town after Cal Fire designated that entire area as having a high fire danger on official maps, a move that has had a negative effect on people’s fire insurance rates and availability.
“This prescribed burn,” Cal Fire said, “is part of a proactive, science-based approach to land management. Fire personnel will be on site throughout the operation, and every precaution will be taken to ensure safe execution under favorable weather conditions.”
Even though the APCD is involved, residents can expect smoky skies. “Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas, and residents are advised not to report the fire unless there is an emergency unrelated to this controlled operation.”
Burning was planned for Aug. 18–20, weather permitting. However, “due to the amount of vegetation being removed, this will be an ongoing project requiring multiple burn days. Additional burning is anticipated August 24–27, as weather and conditions permit.”
According to the State Fish & Wildlife website the Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve was designated as an ecological reserve in 1983. It consists of two units: the 236-acre Bayview Unit and the 50-acre Pecho Unit.
Both parts are mostly covered in dune scrub habitat with intermittent trees scattered about.
Directions: The Pecho Unit is on the northern edge of Montana de Oro State Park, on Pecho Valley Road. Access is from Montana de Oro State Park at the Rim trailhead parking area.
The Bayview Unit trail access is from Broderson Ave, south of Los Osos Valley Road.
