NEWPORT BEACH : Brush Trimming Compromise Found

After six months of discussion, city fire officials and residents in the Buck Gully and Morning Canyon areas have agreed on a method for trimming dead brush that will preserve the natural beauty of the canyons.

Under the proposal, the 167 residents of the area would be required to trim only dead brush, chip it into smaller pieces and leave it on the ground.

A Fire Department order issued in July would have required residents to trim and remove dead brush, and cut living trees, grass and plants to one-third their height.

Residents protested the order, which the council was expected to vote on March 11, saying the natural greenery was partly why they bought canyon-area homes. Residents also argued that trimming vegetation would eliminate natural habitats for animals such as foxes and raccoons.

Still, nearly half the property owners complied, spending thousands of dollars to have the debris hauled away, while others sought a compromise.

Last week, environmental consultant Richard Montague told about 60 residents at a neighborhood meeting that pruning would reduce the risk of fire and that chipping the brush would slow new growth and provide nourishment for the soil.

Fire Chief James Reed said the plan is a “common sense” approach to the problem. He said department officials will now begin working with residents, showing them how to prune and cut dead brush and chip it.

Despite the compromise, some residents on Wednesday said they prefer to leave the brush alone because of its natural beauty and the security it provides for property owners.

“We appreciate the advice of the city, but I think we’re smart enough, intelligent enough to make a measured decision,” said Al Williams, who lives in Morning Canyon.

Mayor Phil Sansone said the council will postpone a vote until April or May. Until the council votes on the order, the Fire Department cannot force residents to comply. If the order is approved, the city will hire contractors to prune the brush of property owners who refuse to comply and send them the bill.