Highway 101 Rocks Road Tree Removal

proposed

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes the Highway 101 Rocks Road Tree Removal project to improve safety for the traveling public on Highway 101 in San Benito County between post miles R1.28 and 2.01 near Aromas, California. The project area is approximately 3 miles west of San Juan Bautista. An arborist has assessed the condition of the grove of blue gum eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus globulus) growing adjacent to Highway 101 on both the northbound and southbound highway roadsides and in the median. The project would remove approximately 228 blue gum eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus globulus) that are in poor health or weakened condition. The trees are within 40 to 60 feet of the pavement edge of the roadway. After the trees are cut, the stumps will be ground out and/or treated with herbicide to prevent re-growth. The trees identified for removal are scattered throughout the grove; the entire grove will not be removed. About 50 to 75 percent of the trees in the grove will be removed. The scope of the project also includes replacement planting with more appropriate trees and shrubs. Replacement planting will consist of native species and native trees throughout the project area and will result in a higher density of planting, restoring the landscape to more native habitat and improving habitat for the California red-legged frog.