TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: JUNE 9, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING COMPLETION OF THE SAN GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK WILDFIRE PREVENTION PROJECT (FUNDING SOURCE: RMC GRANT)
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SUMMARY
The City of Claremont received grant funding from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) for the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (CHWP) Wildfire Prevention Project. The grant funded a variety of wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, public education, and access control improvements throughout the CHWP.
The project has substantially achieved the objectives identified in the grant agreement and task list. Work completed through the grant includes wildfire fuel reduction and habitat restoration efforts utilizing contractors and the California Conservation Corps; development of a habitat restoration plan; acquisition of equipment and tools; installation of gates and fencing improvements; installation of wildlife resistant trash receptacles; and fabrication and installation of educational signage.
The proposed resolution certifies completion of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Wildfire Prevention Project and authorizes submission of all closeout documentation required by the RMC.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING COMPLETION OF THE SAN GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK WILDFIRE PREVENTION PROJECT.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Wildfire Prevention Project was funded through grant funds provided by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, along with required matching contributions and in-kind services provided by the City and volunteer organizations. A total of $694,260.13 has been requested in reimbursement from the granting agency.
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $875 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
On September 13, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution approving the application for grant funds through the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Wildfire Prevention Program for the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Wildfire Prevention Project.
The grant funded a comprehensive wildfire prevention and habitat restoration effort within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. The project focused on reducing wildfire risks, improving park safety and access control, restoring habitat areas, supporting volunteer wildfire prevention activities, and expanding public education related to wildfire prevention and responsible park use.
Project tasks substantially completed through the grant include:
Task #1 - Removal of High-Fire Risk Plants and Habitat Restoration
• Approximately 90% completion of Task 1a through contracted fuel modification work and habitat restoration activities conducted throughout the Park, including work completed by the California Conservation Corps.
• Completion of Task 1b through development of a Habitat Restoration Plan for areas impacted by high-fire risk vegetation, with the assistance of the California Botanic Gardens
• Completion of Task 1c through ongoing assistance and guidance provided by Volunteer Park Rangers to consultants and restoration efforts.
• Habitat restoration work identified under Task 1d has been initiated and incorporated into ongoing restoration activities throughout the Park.
Task #2 - Equipment to Support Ongoing Wildfire Prevention Work
• Completion of Tasks 2a through 2h, including acquisition of hand tools, power tools, safety equipment, installation of entrance gates and fencing improvements, ongoing volunteer wildfire prevention support, and placement of wildlife resistant trash receptacles.
Task #3 - Wildfire Prevention Education
• Completion of Tasks 3a through 3d, including fabrication and installation of educational kiosks, development of educational content and signage, acquisition of wildfire prevention signage, and installation of wayfinding signage.
The improvements funded through this grant have enhanced wildfire prevention efforts within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, improved public safety, expanded wildfire prevention education opportunities, and strengthened long-term habitat restoration and park management efforts.
Adoption of the proposed resolution will certify completion of the project and allow staff to finalize all remaining grant closeout documentation with the RMC.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainability Plan, Economic Sustainability Plan, 2024-26 Budget, and the CHWP Master Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Melissa Vollaro Luis Vaquera
Recreation and Human Servies Director Recreation and Human Services Supervisor
Attachment:
Resolution Certifying Completion of the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Wildfire Prevention Project