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CBTS Draft - Forest Management Plan Status
First, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the time, thoughtfulness, and forward-thinking input you have contributed throughout the development of the Draft Carmel Forest Management Plan (CFMP). Your engagement has been instrumental in getting us to this point.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has long been known as “a village in a forest by the sea.” This Forest Management Plan will honor that legacy while confronting today’s realities—aging trees, climate stress, wildfire risk, and development pressures—with clear strategies and accountability.
This draft plan is the product of years of thoughtful work and collaboration.
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The journey to update the CFMP began in late 2021 led by our City Forester at the time.
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In 2022, the City contracted with Davey Tree, whose data-driven canopy assessment and citywide inventory formed a scientific backbone for the plan.
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In Mid 2023, we welcomed our new City Forester, bringing deep education, certifications, and years of arboriculture experience to carry the work forward.
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A community-wide survey in November 2023 captured residents’ priorities and concerns.
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Over the past three years, we held multiple community workshops, including an early visioning series and another draft-review workshop in October 2024.
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The Forest and Beach Commission reviewed plan segments over six separate public meetings.
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In November 2024, an independent expert ecologist with deep knowledge of Carmel’s local environment was retained to review evolving drafts and provide additional scientific input..
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In May of 2025 new Public Works Director, with extensive background and education in ecosystem management, forestry, and arboriculture, carefully reviewed and provided further scientific refinement.
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In October of 2025 we held another public workshop with the Steering Committee, which included a presentation from our independent ecologist.
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Late January 2026, the Steering Committee and community members provided additional feedback and comments. All input was carefully reviewed and incorporated where appropriate.
- Another technical review of the draft plan was conducted by the Forester, Public Works Director and our independent expert Ecologist.
Throughout this extensive process, draft versions of the CFMP have remained publicly available on the City’s website. This multi-year effort has resulted in a community-informed, science-based draft plan that reflects the collective knowledge, experience, and values shared by residents, subject-matter experts, and advisory bodies.
As a reminder, this is a living document. As new information becomes available and scientific understanding evolves, the plan can be updated accordingly.
Next Steps (High Level):
To keep everyone informed, below is a summary of the upcoming steps, including multiple opportunities for continued public participation:
- Engage Consultant to assist with graphic design and document layout
- Initiation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process (anticipate starting late-February/early-March)
- The specific timeline for this process will depend on the CEQA determination
- Review and recommendation by the Forest & Beach Commission
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Public comment opportunities will be available
- Review and recommendation by the Planning Commission
- Public comment opportunities will be available
- City Council review and consideration of the Forest Management Plan
- The City Council will conduct at least two public hearings
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Public comment opportunities will be available at each hearing
Throughout this process, the public will continue to have multiple opportunities to provide feedback, both in writing and during public meetings. Written comments may be submitted at any time to: forester@ci.carmel.ca.us
Transparency, inclusiveness, and continued community engagement remain central to this effort.
Thank you again for your continued commitment and thoughtful participation. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the process or upcoming milestones.
Ken Wysocki
Director of Public Works
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