Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve - Project Detail

Conservation and Land Use

What will happen to the areas that were just logged?  

The 1,517-acre Monte Rio Redwoods Expansion property contains approximately 1,287 acres of coast redwood forest that has been in timber production for over 150 years. There are a few old-growth trees across the property, including one 14-foot-wide ancient tree with a tunnel through its base.  The property has been logged for many decades with the last timber harvest occurring just a few years ago. Portions of the redwood forest show old-growth characteristics, but much of the remaining redwood consist of young second- and third-growth trees.  Our goal is to restore the young dense stands into a mature, vibrant forest ecosystem that helps protect water quality, provides habitat for endangered species and help protect adjacent communities from future wildfires.  Areas that were recently logged will be assessed by our Natural Resources staff and projects that support forest restoration and reduce wildfire risk will be prioritized.

How will the park be managed for wildfire risk and forest health? What are the planned vegetation management activities? 

Past logging activity left behind woody debris that could increase future wildfire severity.  Also, the remaining forest now consists of dense stands of trees competing for resources such as water, nutrients and sunlight.  Working with CAL FIRE, local fire departments and community groups such as the Bohemian Collaborative, Regional Parks will reduce fuels by removing old logging slash and managing vegetation to support a healthier, more resilient forest. Dense areas will be selectively thinned and prescribed fire will be used to reduce field loads and restore natural nutrient cycling. Some of this work is already underway. On the original 515-acre Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park property, Regional Parks improved water quality by upgrading roads to reduce sediment in streams and removed miles of invasive French broom, which created a continuous fuel load.  With funding from the State Coastal Conservancy and support from CAL FIRE and Monte Rio Fire Protection District, Regional Parks established 33 acres of shaded fuel breaks and used prescribed fire to reduce fuels and encourage forest regeneration. Future efforts will expand on this foundation. 

Will the old-growth trees be accessible to the public? 

A small number of old-growth redwoods and Douglas firs are scattered in the property and some are visible from existing roads and trails. The old-growth trees are being evaluated during the planning process to determine the best way to protect them while balancing public access, recreation and conservation.

What kinds of wildlife or habitats does the park protect?

The park protects primarily redwood and mixed evergreen forests, but also has grassland, riparian woodland, chapparal and coastal scrub. This variety of habitats creates corridors for wildlife to move across the landscape, such as coyote, deer, bobcats, mountain lions, several amphibian species, and a diversity of birds. The upland habitats within the park are also home to several special-status wildlife species including American badger, Sonoma tree vole, California giant salamander and northern spotted owl. The Willow and Dutch Bill Creek watersheds support endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead. Wildlife and habitat protection will guide park planning, including trail placement, seasonal use restrictions and restoration projects to support healthy ecosystems.

Partnerships and Stewardship 

Who are the partners involved in this project?

Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve is the result of years of collaboration among conservation groups, public agencies, Tribal partners and the local community. Key partners include Save the Redwoods League, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Land Trust, California Wildlife Conservation Board and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Local groups like the Gianni Cycling Association also support ongoing stewardship through trail maintenance and monitoring. 

 The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria through a formal process have requested consultation with Regional Parks for the original 515-acres, and Regional Parks is committed to working closely with our Tribal partners through the formal consultation process for the entire 2,033.6-acre park property.

What has been the role of the Gianni Cycling Association on the property in the past and what will it be going forward? 

The Gianni Cycling Association has played a key role in stewarding the expansion property for decades. Their work has included building and maintaining trails, promoting trail etiquette and safety, supporting emergency responders and fostering community through recreation and education. Going forward, Gianni and Regional Parks have a formal license agreement to continue their partnership. The association will work with Regional Parks and the community to support trail maintenance, monitoring, stewardship, education and community outreach on the expansion property.

Are volunteer opportunities available?

Volunteers provide critical support for trail work and monitoring, habitat restoration and other stewardship. Volunteer opportunities are available through The Gianni Cycling Association and Redwood Trails Alliance. Visit their websites for more information on how to sign up.