The objective of this project is to establish and maintain a defensible space zone along the perimeter of NPS land that is directly adjacent to Highway 1 and the residential hillside community in the high fire danger zones of Muir Beach. This area includes approximately 37 acres of dense stands of unmaintained trees and brush, including Scotch and French broom and heather on steep slopes. Frequent ignitions along this roadway pose a significant hazard. Vegetation management will reduce fire intensity near homes and improve the chances that suppression efforts would be successful in the event of a wildfire. Extensive coordination with the National Park Service has taken place during the planning and implementation of this project as it takes place on federal land.
Vegetation management activities took place within 100 feet of State Route 1 in the winter of 2022/2023 within approximately 18 acres. Large dense stands of nonnative heather shrubs were removed during this work and native plants were installed.
Project Update 1/20/2026
On January 20, 2026, the environmental resources training for crews and final walk though with NPS staff took place and vegetation work began.
Project Update 1/8/2026
Marin Wildfire, National Park Service staff, and consultants have been working together to retreat this site. Retreatment will take place in late January 2026. Native plants installed after initial treatment will be protected during project activities.
