Quarry Hill Fire Fuel Reduction Project

State Coastal Conservancy funded tree removal work began in the Hillside Natural Area Quarry Hill eucalyptus grove during the first week of September and will end towards the end of October. City Council awarded a contract to Powers Forestry LLC to remove the fire prone eucalyptus groves from approximately 8.7 acres. After tree removal, the project will include regenerative native habitat stabilization measures.

As part of the grant, the City invites residents to attend a lumber milling demonstration where the sawyer will explain the process and describe the reuse options for eucalyptus wood.

WHEN: Saturday, October 31, 2026 10am – 12pm

WHERE: El Cerrito Recycling Center - rear staff parking lot. Please park on Schmidt Lane and walk to the rear staff parking lot where the milling demonstration will take place.

Additionally, on a date to be determined in spring 2027, the City will host a community workshop on fire resilient landscaping.

For more information, visit the project website at elcerrito.gov/HillsideProject. For additional questions, contact Stephen Prée in the Public Works Department at spree@elcerrito.gov or (510) 559-7685.