Urban Forestry for a FireWise Community
David Yegge
Fuel Reduction Specialist
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions that you may find helpful. If you have any further questions, please check the thinisin.org website or contact me at (909) 866-4668.
Am I required to replace my wood shake roof?
Ordinance 2007-373 mandates the replacement of all Wood Shake/Shingle Roofs by 2012. | Download the ordinance
What number do I call for a curbside pickup?
To request a pick-up of vegetation and native brush cleared from your property, call the Chipper Request Line at (909) 752-2805.
Do I need a tree removal permit?
A tree removal permit is required pursuant to Ordinance No. 2002-325, Section 9.A, ("Tree Conservation Ordinance") in cases where there is no construction or development proposed involving other plan reviews, permits ar approvals, but the property owner desires to remove one or more trees six (6) inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH). Download the Tree Removal Permit Application
Who do I call for a property inspection?
Please call me at (909) 866-4668.
Who would I call if I live outside of the City of Big Bear Lake?
For more information, contact your local fire department.
HUFI Management
The Health Urban Forest Initiative (HUFI) is a local program to reduce the fire danger within the community from primarily vegatation fires, which start in the community or in the surrounding National Forest; and increase the health and biodiversity of our "urban forest".
The city manages the Neighborhood Chipper Program. This program provides a cost efficiient way to dispose of excess branches, limbs and small trees from properties wihin the City of Big Bear Lake. This is accomplished by conducting curbside chipping service for property owners. The Public Works Department manages these services by providing personnel and oversite.
Chipping Program in Full Swing!
The 2009 Neighborhood Curbside Chipping Program is back in full swing for the spring & summer seasons! Residents can place vegetation from trimming and limbing up curbside for City Public Works Crews to pick up. To reserve a pick-up, call the Chipper Request Line at (909) 752-2805. This is one easy way residents help create defensible space! For a list of materials not accepted, see More. For other tips on reducing the fire danger, visit www.thinisin.org
Free Chipping Programs Underway; Firewise Home to Be Featured on July 18 Xeriscape Tour
July 7, 2009 by Catherine Sandstrom
Both Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City have earned the distinction of being named Firewise USA communities, an honor held by less than 500 cities and towns throughout the country. Residents can contribute to this fire-safe effort by clearing defensible space and taking advantage of free neighborhood curbside chipping of trimmed trees and dead vegetation. At present, the Big Bear City Fire Department is working their way through Fawnskin, before chipping in East Valley neighborhoods starts next week. Residents of Big Bear City, the North Shore, Shay Meadow area, Erwin Lake, Meadowbrook Estates and Lake Williams should have their chipping piles curbside by Monday, July 13. As of August 3, Bear City Fire will be chipping in the upper Moonridge area. For those in lower Moonridge, in neighborhoods within the City of Big Bear Lake, and all others on the south shore west of Division, the chipping program is on-demand; those who live in Big Bear Lake can call the chipper request line at 909/752-2805. The Big Bear Lake Fire Department, in partnership with the Sierra Club Big Bear Group, also offers a Firewise Planting Guide, which is specific to our community and available online at ThinIsIn.org. The Sierra Club will also offer free information on native and drought-tolerant plants when, on July 18, they host the 7th annual Xeriscape Garden Tour which, this year, will also feature a Firewise home. The free, self-guided xeriscape tour launches from Eminger’s Mountain Nursery (at 41223 Big Bear Boulevard, across from Denny’s in Big Bear Lake); attendees can pick up a tour map between 9am and noon, and then enjoy as many as eight homes featuring xeriscape gardens. Courtesy of KBHR 93.3 FM
A property before being cleared.
A property after being cleared.
