Great Ecology was engaged by a non-profit organization to create a Brush Management Plan (BMP) for a property in San Diego where an addition to an existing home is proposed. The property’s backyard overlooks Tecolote Canyon, a well-loved natural park designated as Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) and a Multi-Habitat Planning Area (MHPA). As the property is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the permitting process requires a BMP submitted with the permit application for the proposed addition. Great Ecology performed a site assessment and photo survey to inventory the existing plant species on site, document existing hardscape materials, and test the irrigation system. The existing backyard is a well-maintained mix of succulents and native tree-form laurel sumac. Because of its size, the BMP required alternative compliance measures to compensate for reduced defensible space short of the requisite 100’. Great Ecology prepared a BMP which addresses management of the backyard landscape to achieve alternative compliance with brush management regulations, including maintaining a fire break, providing irrigation, and pruning and thinning existing vegetation.
