News from the East Bay Regional Park District

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

When Leaves Fall, Fire Risks Rise. Fall is peak fire season, due to dried-out vegetation from summer heat and offshore Diablo winds that historically occur September through November. Be aware of fire hazards, restrictions, and Red Flag Warnings. Wildfire safety remains one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s top priorities.

Fire Safety Tips

• Follow all fire safety rules.
• No smoking or vaping in parks.
• No fireworks.
• Report fire hazards and call 911 if you see an active fire.

667-Acre Fuels Reduction Project Complete. For the past three years, the East Bay Regional Park District has been thinning brush and hazardous trees on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot Regional Park to reduce fire risk. This groundbreaking effort — the first of its kind in California — included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris with minimal emissions. Reducing fire fuels is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they grow out of control.

For more information see Park District investing $10.9 million to reduce fire fuels in the East Bay, East Bay Parks use groundbreaking technology to reduce wildfire risks, Park District completes 667-acre Fuels Reduction Project in East Bay Hills and visit ebparks.org/news.

Fall Is a Great Time for Birding. Fall and winter are prime seasons for birding in East Bay Regional Parks. From wetlands to woodlands, diverse habitats host migrating and nesting birds, as well as wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. It’s a perfect time to spot unique species and enjoy this beloved outdoor pastime.

The Park District offers birding programs for all experience levels, including hikes, kayak excursions, and community science events. Birdwatching is more accessible than ever with events like the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 13-16, 2026) and apps like Merlin and eBird. For information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Birding.”

Looking for Love. With the onset of cooler fall weather, male tarantulas leave their burrows to find females. They tap on the burrow entrance to signal a mate, and if she emerges, they mate. Life isn’t easy for male tarantulas. After mating, the female can sometimes kill the male, though this is infrequent. Even if he survives, he will soon die. Male tarantulas only live for seven to 10 years, while females can live as long as 30 years.

Tarantulas in the East Bay range from dark brown to light tan and are spotted most often in the late afternoon or early evening, after the day’s heat fades. Join a naturalist program or hike to learn more about these fuzzy friends — or possibly even see one. For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Tarantulas.”

Celebrate Corn at Ardenwood’s Harvest Festival! The story of corn begins with a wild grass called teosinte, first cultivated in central Mexico around 9,000 years ago. Today, corn — also known as maize — nourishes communities around the globe. From popcorn and cornbread to polenta, hominy, cereal, and of course, corn on the cob, many popular foods trace back to this remarkable plant.

To learn more about corn, attend Ardenwood’s annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 11-12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where visitors can walk through the cornfields and participate in the ancient autumn ritual of harvesting maize — and even take home a few ears of corn (one-bag-per-person limit). Enjoy seasonal activities, including cider pressing, live music, and historic crafts, and ride a narrow-gauge train. Free for participants ages 3 and under.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Harvest Festival.”

Step Back in Time at the Sunol Heritage Festival. Celebrate the rich heritage of the Sunol wilderness at a lively, family-friendly festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., filled with hands-on history, live music, crafts, Ohlone stories, and fun for all ages. Visitors can connect with the past through activities that highlight the history, traditions, and cultures of the region — from crafting miniature tule boats, to making traditional pine nut bracelets and learning about ranching brands while creating a “branded” bandana.

Families can also try their hands at old-time laundry, play Ohlone and Victorian-era games, meet Poppy the wooden milking cow, practice lasso skills, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the park’s natural setting while taking part in the festivities. Parking is $5.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/sunol-heritage-festival.

Ardenwood Halloween Festivities. Each year Ardenwood comes alive in October with the frightful Haunted Railroad and community pumpkin patch. Ardenwood offers nighttime train rides through its haunted forest. The ride is spooky — not scary — and is designed especially for children under 12. Tickets sell out fast! Registration required. For more information, visit spcrr.org.

Ardenwood’s annual pumpkin patch is operated by Dig Deep Farms, which also offers Halloween-themed arts, crafts, and games. Pumpkin patch admission does not include admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search “Pumpkin Patch”.

For more EBRPD events visit Calendar of Events | East Bay Parks.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Invested $12.5 million in Park District, state and federal funds

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to announce the completion of the Climate Change Impacts Wildland Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. For the past three years, the Park District has been working to thin and remove hazardous trees and brush on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot to reduce fire intensity and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. (See related article)

This groundbreaking effort, the first of its kind in California, included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris. The carbonizer produces low emissions and creates biochar, which has been used throughout the Park District to improve soil health and water retention.

In fall 2020, Park District staff noticed an increase in dead and dying trees compared with past years. The Park District began assessing die-off districtwide and found that it affected several parks. In some areas, half of the trees were either dead or showing signs they would die within a year. The condition was caused by extreme drought and climate change.

“Sudden tree die-off was an emergency for the Park District,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae. “We immediately saw the need to ramp up fuels reduction to mitigate the threat of potential wildfires. We can’t prevent all ignitions, but we can lower the intensity of fires by reducing fire fuels.”

“The Anthony Chabot project tackled mostly dead and dying eucalyptus, a notoriously flammable and difficult-to-handle tree. Thinning and removing eucalyptus is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they become out of control. Dead standing trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new, potentially dangerous fires,” Helae added.

The 667-acre project began in 2022 with a pilot project on 80 acres near the former shooting range in Anthony Chabot Regional Park, using the climate-friendly carbonizer for biomass removal. The pilot project assessed the feasibility of using a carbonizer to remove biomass. With additional permitting, the project expanded to 445 acres and then 667 acres.

Funding sources

The project was funded through a combination of federal and state funds. The project received $7.5 million in state funding secured by former state Sen. Nancy Skinner (now serving as California Energy Commissioner) and former state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, $1.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), $1 million in grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the Park District.

“We thank our federal and state partners for their leadership, support, and funding for wildfire fuels reduction work in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “Fuels reduction work helps reduce wildfire risks and is critical to protecting the community and natural resources.”

“The Park District has a deep understanding of the dangers and destruction wildfires can bring after experiencing the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, which claimed 25 lives and destroyed 3,469 homes,” Landreth added.

Ongoing Wildfire Protection Efforts

Hazardous fuels reduction efforts continue districtwide, with large projects planned or underway at Tilden, Claremont Canyon, and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve. A 16-person fuels crew works year-round on vegetation management projects, along with goat, sheep, and cattle grazing covering 86,800 acres annually. 

The Park District’s wildfire protection work includes prioritizing vegetation management, operating a professionally trained full-time and on-call department, and maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, which includes two helicopters capable of dropping water on wildfires.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Volunteers and East Bay Regional Park District staff will come together to clean and protect local shorelines and waterways during California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Help the Park District in its effort to restore, clean, and preserve 11 cleanup sites across East Bay Regional Parks, including bayside beaches, shoreline trails, and inland lakes. Staff and volunteers will work together to collect and dispose of litter and recyclables, beautify the shorelines, and help maintain delicate ecosystems. At last year’s event, an estimated 8,020 pounds of trash were collected by Park District volunteers.

Each year, volunteers discover strange and unusual items during cleanup events. Past items include a sword, two-thirds of a bowling ball, and a functioning 1980s-era ThighMaster. Participants who find an odd or interesting item will receive a Park District-themed cooling towel (while supplies last).

TRASHure Hunt

This year, the Park District is adding a new feature to the event: TRASHure Hunt. Participants who find a golden trash grabber hidden at each cleanup site will win a special prize. They may also have their photo posted on social media with the golden grabber.

The Park District will provide garbage bags and gloves to those who need them, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own trash-hunting gear. Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, hats, gloves, and sunscreen, and must wear closed-toe shoes. Layered clothing is recommended. The Park District will also provide snacks and water throughout the event. Please note that parent participation is required for children under 18.

All locations welcome drop-ins, although registration is appreciated. Visit ebparks.org/get-involved/volunteer/coastal-cleanup or call 510-544-2229 for more information.

Park District Coastal Cleanup Day Sites

• Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch – Near Frederickson Lane, More Info
• Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley – Cypress Staging Area, More Info
• Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda – Near Intersection of Otis St. and 8th St., More Info
• Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore – Fiesta Grande Picnic Site, More Info & Visitor Center, More Info
• Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward – West Winton Avenue Staging Area,More Info
• Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, Martinez – Main Parking Area, More Info
• Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland – Arrowhead Marsh Staging Area, More Info
• Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Richmond – Rydin Road Staging Area, More Info
• Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond – Giant Staging Area, More Info
• Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, Fremont – Isherwood Way, More Info

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

76 sworn officer milestone underscores EBRPD’s commitment to recruitment, retention and being an employer of choice

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District proudly announces that its Police Department has reached 100 percent staffing at the sworn police officer rank — a significant achievement that reflects the department’s reputation as a rewarding and respected place to build a career in public safety. With all 76 sworn officer positions filled for the first time in over 18 years, the department is better positioned than ever to deliver on its high standards for service, safety, and community trust.

This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy at a time when most Bay Area police agencies face persistent vacancies of 10 to 25 percent, with a national average near 15 percent, according to a recent survey from Respond Capture, a technology firm that assists law enforcement agencies with recruitment strategies. Achieving full staffing demonstrates the Park District’s success in attracting talented officers who are drawn to its mission, supportive culture, and unique opportunities to protect both people and natural spaces.

“Reaching full staffing in law enforcement is a remarkable milestone,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “It reflects the dedication of our recruitment and retention teams, the appeal of our mission, and the leadership of Chief Roberto Filice. Officers choose the Park District because they can be part of something meaningful — protecting beloved parks and serving a community that values their work.”

Since 2022, the department has invested in dedicated recruitment efforts, including adding a sergeant role focused solely on attracting top talent. “Filling vacancies has always been — and will always be — a priority, but it’s even more important to find the right people,” said the department’s Chief Filice. “We look for officers who share our values, are dedicated to keeping our parks and communities safe, and are committed to fostering positive relationships with park visitors.”

Recruitment strategies have included outreach to police academies, collaboration with training agencies, participation in job fairs, and community engagement events like National Night Out. The department also actively celebrates the work of its officers through media coverage, social media recognition, and public acknowledgments at Board of Directors meetings.

“Full staffing means more proactive patrols, faster response times, greater community presence, and an even higher level of service for park visitors,” Filice added. “It also means our officers enjoy a supportive team environment, exceptional training, and the satisfaction of serving in one of the most beautiful regions in the country.”

“We want to thank our recruitment team, our Human Resources Department, General Manager Sabrina Landreth, Deputy General Manager Allyson Cook, and Chief Roberto Filice, who all worked diligently to bring the sworn portion of our Police Department to full staffing,” said Christopher Rudy, a detective in the department and Vice President of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Association, the department’s union affiliation. “We want to especially thank the General Manager and our Chief for the vision and implementation of our proactive Police Department that has attracted so many new members.”

The Park District Police Department provides a full range of services — from emergency response and criminal investigations to aerial support and interagency mutual aid — across 73 regional parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails. In addition to patrolling Park District lands, the department provides contracted policing for East Bay Municipal Utilities District recreation areas, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission watershed lands in the East Bay, and several state-owned parks.

With an estimated 30 million annual visits to its parks, the East Bay Regional Park District offers a dynamic and meaningful environment for public safety professionals. Here, officers protect not only the public but also the natural and cultural treasures that make the Bay Area extraordinary.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Purchased from the John R. Freschi, Jr., 2018 Living Trust for $1.82 million; will be added to acreage sold by Jack Roddy and partners

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 140 acres adjacent to Deer Valley Regional Park in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy). The property is located in eastern unincorporated Contra Costa County south of Antioch and southwest of Brentwood, within the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) area.

The property was purchased from the John R. Freschi, Jr., 2018 Living Trust and is accessed from Briones Valley Road, approximately 1.3 miles west of Deer Valley Road. The property will become an addition to Deer Valley Regional Park.

Consistent with other properties acquired in partnership with the Conservancy and conserved for the HCP/NCCP, a Covenant to Restrict Use of Property ensures that existing wildlife and habitat values are protected. The restrictive covenant permits public recreation compatible with habitat values.

The property is composed of oak woodland and oak savanna and includes sprawling grasslands, a segment of Marsh Creek riparian habitat, and a seasonal pond. No species studies have been completed yet, but habitat found on the Freschi property is known to support the California red-legged frog, the California tiger salamander, and a variety of raptors.

“This acquisition reflects the Park District’s ongoing commitment to protecting critical habitat and expanding access to nature for all,” says Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We’re grateful for our strong partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and the support of state agencies that helped make this purchase possible. We look forward to incorporating this beautiful landscape into Deer Valley Regional Park and to preserve its ecological value for generations to come.”

“Preserving this land not only safeguards vital habitat but also furthers our vision of connecting people to open space in east Contra Costa County,” says Colin Coffey, Park District Board Member representing Ward 7, which includes parts of Contra Costa County. “Strategic acquisitions like this are a key part of building out a regional park network that serves both wildlife and the community. I’m proud to see this progress in a region I represent and care deeply about.”

“Land conservation in this region is made possible through strong, collaborative partnerships,” says Hugh Henderson, Board Chair for the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and Vice Mayor of the City of Oakley. “The Conservancy and the Park District worked closely with the seller to secure the protection of this property. As habitat for endangered and threatened species, this land holds significant ecological value, and we are dedicated to its long-term stewardship and conservation.”

Will Be Added to Acreage Sold to Park District by Jack Roddy

The land is in addition to the acreage sold by Jack Roddy and partners which includes the former 18-hole Roddy Ranch Golf Course located off Deer Valley Road. In 2022, the Park District adopted a Habitat Restoration and Public Access Plan to restore native grasslands across the 230-acre golf course and provide facilities for passive recreation including walking, biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. This parkland is part of the Conservancy’s Preserve System, which emphasizes environmental restoration and preservation. 

The next phase of Park development includes:

• Restoring 84 acres of grasslands
• Installing picnic areas, restrooms, and nearly four miles of multi-use trails
• Building an interpretive pavilion for environmental education and history

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending permit approvals and funding.

A public ribbon cutting to celebrate the addition of the property to the Park District will take place later in the year.

Click to learn more about the Deer Valley Regional Park | East Bay Parks.

Funding Sources

The property was acquired in partnership with the Conservancy using a combination of grant funds from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ($1.5 million) with additional funding ($320,000) provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board, both secured by the Conservancy.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, over 126,000 acres, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Includes CA Free Fishing Day Aug. 30

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Groundbreaking Celebrates New Point Molate Bay Trail Extension

East Bay Regional Park District board members, leadership, and staff joined with elected officials, City of Richmond representatives, and community leaders on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, to break ground on the construction of the Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project in Richmond. This extension is a major step forward in expanding public access to Point Molate and enhancing regional connectivity along the San Francisco Bay Trail.

Once completed, the new 2.5-mile segment will connect the City of Richmond’s Point Molate Beach Park to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, providing seamless access to the existing bike and pedestrian path on the bridge. The trail extension also includes scenic views of the bay shoreline, a 600-foot boardwalk, and interpretive panels sharing the area’s natural and cultural history.

The project is a partnership between the Park District and the City of Richmond, which owns 1.25 miles of the 2.5-mile trail extension project area. The Park District is leading design, permitting, and construction of the trail.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/news and www.ebparks.org/projects/san-francisco-bay-trail-point-molate.

Hot Days Ahead! 

After a relatively mild summer, the weather is heating up! When enjoying Regional Parks this August, keep the following tips in mind to beat the heat:

• Avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day. If you do visit the parks, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Don’t forget to bring extra water for your pets!
• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the effects of heat on your body.

Also, consider visiting Regional Parks with shady trails and cooler weather. For some cool options, visit www.ebparks.org/visit/shady-hikes-cooler-parks.

Learn about the Fin-Tastic Fish of the San Francisco Bay at the Crab Cove Fish Festival

The numerous fish species that thrive in the deep, murky waters of the San Francisco Bay come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny 2.5-inch Delta smelt, which is endangered, to long-living sturgeons that can reach up to 7 feet. In the bay, pipefish that look like seahorses hide in eelgrass beds. The male plainfin midshipman, also known as the singing toadfish, serenades females along the rocky shore. Swell sharks lay camouflaged egg cases called mermaid purses among the sea kelp. Each of these unique, fin-tastic fish plays a role in keeping the bay healthy and thriving. 

On Aug. 23, Crab Cove hosts its annual Fish Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can observe fish up close at the Mobile Fish Exhibit and enjoy fish crafts, face painting, fishy games, and much more! The Doug Siden Visitor Center and Aquarium at Crab Cove in Alameda is a great place to learn about local fish species.

Also consider dropping in on Wednesdays or weekend afternoons at 3 p.m. to watch fish feeding.

CA Free Fishing Day

Saturday, Aug. 30, is a free fishing day in California and in the East Bay Regional Park District as both Park District fishing fees and state fishing license requirements are waived for visitors. Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors—from first-timers to seasoned anglers. It’s a fun activity for all ages that offers a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and connect with family and friends.

There are plenty of opportunities in the East Bay to cast a line. The Park District offers 10 fishing lakes, five bay and delta shoreline piers, and 25 miles of bay and delta shoreline for fishing. For more information, visit ebparks.org/recreation/fishing.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

33-year-old David Milburn held on $1 million bail; one victim in hospital

By CHP – Contra Costa

VALLEJO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrested a 33-year-old Antioch man early Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after two freeway shootings spanning Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.

Officers took David Milburn (born 1/25/92) into custody around 1:35 AM. after spotting his white Chrysler Crossfire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Midway Road between Vacaville and Dixon. Milburn refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before being arrested without incident. During the chase, officers saw him throw a firearm and two high-capacity magazines from the vehicle.

The arrest came after two other shootings just hours earlier. Around 8:07 P.M. Tuesday, a man was admitted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek with a gunshot wound, stating he was shot while driving westbound on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road. About five hours later, at 12:52 A.M. Wednesday, another driver reported his vehicle had been hit by gunfire on eastbound Highway 24 near Highway 13.

Detectives from CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit linked all three incidents to Milburn with help from the Traffic Management Center, Communications Center, and Flock Safety data.

Milburn was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at a vehicle, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Swift work by CHP personnel across the Bay Area directly led to the apprehension of another dangerous criminal who chose to endanger the general public with his reckless and careless behavior,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “From officers in the field to detectives and dispatchers, incredible teamwork is the key to successful outcomes in these investigations, and I applaud all of them for their hard work.”

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or who may have been involved in incidents with a white Chrysler Crossfire is asked to call the CHP investigative tip line at (707) 917-4491.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Milburn is listed as Non-Hispanic but also as Black and is being held on $1 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

$8.3 million in grants; $2.6 million in district matching funds

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is set to spend $10.9 million over the next three years to reduce fire fuels at Anthony Chabot, Tilden, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. The funding will help reduce wildfire risks by removing dead and dying trees and hazardous vegetation on over 600 acres. Dead trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new fires.

These efforts are in addition to ongoing fuels reduction work districtwide, including large-scale projects at Anthony Chabot Regional Park (544 acres) and Tilden Regional Park (39 acres), a 16-person year-round fuels reduction crew, and annual goat, sheep, and cattle grazing. In 2024, the Park District’s fuels reduction crew removed hazardous fire fuels on 104 acres in 11 parks. Additionally, more than 86,800 acres of parkland are grazed annually by cattle, sheep, or goats.

“The grant funding enhances our ability to protect the public and safeguard our natural landscapes,” said Park District Interim Fire Chief Khari Helae. “Securing the funding is a testament to the Park District’s efforts—from planning to permitting—to manage the detailed grant application process and its proven ability to carry out large-scale fuels reduction projects in support of the community.”

The $10.9 million for fuels reduction projects includes $8.3 million in grants, with $6.1 million coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $2.1 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy, and $100,000 from the U.S. Forest Service. FEMA funding was obtained in partnership with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, who secured $1.5 million in the 2023 budget, and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who secured $1.4 million in the 2024 budget.

An additional $2.6 million comes from required Park District matching funds, which include general funds and voter-approved local revenue measures like Measure FF. These local revenue measures enhance the Park District’s ability to qualify for and secure grant funding by providing required matching contributions.

“These projects are vital to reducing wildfire risks in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We thank FEMA, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Eric Swalwell, the California State Coastal Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, and Park District voters for their support and for prioritizing wildfire mitigation in the East Bay.”

For large scale vegetation management projects, the Park District utilizes a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of vegetation. The carbonizer burns organic matter at 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit with little oxygen, which produces very low emissions—especially compared to conventional disposal methods such as open pile burning or transporting debris long distances in diesel trucks. The resulting biochar is being used throughout the Park District to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase crop productivity, including at the District’s Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

The Park District Board of Directors will consider authorizing $1,883,261 in matching funds from Measure FF at their upcoming Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Measure FF was passed in 2018 by voters in the communities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, and San Pablo to provide funding to reduce fire risks, improve public access, and restore natural habitat. The Board of Directors previously authorized $500,016 in matching funds in March 2023.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.