San Mateo County has beefed up its tree protection regulations after residents of Menlo Oaks, in unincorporated Menlo Park, complained that their namesake oak trees were falling prey to development at an alarming rate. Read the full article.
We are very pleased that the County Supervisors, County Planning & Building Department listened to our suggestions over the past 2 1/2 years. It started with one Heritage Oak we hoped to save from removal (though it was just cut down by its new home owner). This led to stopping a mismanaged subdivision project which destroyed several Heritage Oaks without permit. Finally, we worked with the County to obtain these changes. Even more changes are to come — all benefiting our old growth Heritage Oaks and other Significant Trees not just here but throughout the County.
Menlo Oaks Tree Advocates (MOTA) still has lots of work to do, but we have been part of something good that happened, thanks to the efforts of many concerned citizens and the financial support of many neighbors.