Helping to Build Knowledge and Resilience at Your Santa Cruz Mountains Forestland through Applied Research and Extension
From moist coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) communities to dry ridgetops dotted with knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), and riparian areas bursting with color from bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains span over 250,000 acres in Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. These forest communities are iconic elements of the natural landscape, valuable resources for the local economy, and cherished recreational venues for visitors and residents alike. However, they face significant threats due to increased forest fuel loading and density, high-severity fires, climate change, and forest pests and diseases.
Maintaining healthy, productive forest systems is achievable through collaborative stewardship. Help, resources, and research are available through the UC Extension Forests Program for Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.
Program Mission
To support and enable collaborative stewardship, utilization, conservation, and restoration of Santa Cruz Mountains’ forest ecosystems by delivering scientific research, educational outreach, and technical assistance in forest management and ecology.
Regionally Important Links on Forests and Fire
| Defensible Space, Tree Removal, and Permitting | |
| For the Homeowner: Defensible Space FAQs | When is a "Significant Tree Removal Permit" Required to Remove a Tree |
| Do I need a CALFIRE Permit? Logic Model | Living with Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains |
| Certified Arborist List | |
| Forest Advisor Mailing List and Newsletter | |
| Join the Santa Cruz Forests Mailing List! | ISHB Santa Cruz Coordination Group |
| Area Fire Advisor | |
| Fire Advisor for the Central Coast | |
| Forest Ecology, Climate Change, and Spatial Data | |
| Conifers of the Santa Cruz Mountains | Climate Change Adaptation in the Santa Cruz Mountains |
| Postfire Response of Coast Redwood Communities | Post-CZU Fire Maps and GIS Data |
| CNPS Fire Recovery Guide | |
| Management Organizations and Resources | |
| Burn Pile Factsheet: Permits, Air Quality, Construction and More | Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association
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| Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network |
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| RCD of Santa Clara County |
Our Team
The Santa Cruz Mountains Forest Program is led by Brian Woodward, University of California Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor. He runs a forest research and extension program serving all forest managers, owners, and residents seeking information on forest management, forest health, forest ecology, and related topics in the Santa Cruz Mountains region. The Program also employs seasonal staff, technicians, interns, and students when grants or funding is available.
Current staff include Claire Gregory, Forest Community Education Specialist III, and Blake Shaw, Forest Community Education Specialist II.
Research and extension fellowship and internship opportunities (paid, volunteer, and for credit) are sometimes available through the program. Contact us if you are a student interested in engaging in our research or extension.
Proudly Serving Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties
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