CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reported that its crews in Lake County are pruning and removing trees that could impact overhead power lines.
This final phase of work will be focused on preventing wildfires in the highest fire-risk areas and conducted along approximately 94 miles of overhead power lines through the end of the year.
Customers in the areas of Cobb and Cobb Mountain, Clearlake Oaks, Glenview, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Loch Lomond, and Morgan Valley may see crews and contractors inspecting power lines, marking trees, preparing for necessary tree maintenance, or trimming trees.
Before performing tree work, PG&E will share plans with customers and communities through phone calls, postcards, door knocks and door hangers.
“The speed at which we’re seeing tree die-off is unprecedented. Whether it be due to the Growing up and working in the North Bay, I know how important trees are to these communities, whether in a forested or urban area,” said Ron Richardson, regional vice president for PG&E’s North Coast Region. “We feel the same way. Our team of qualified professionals carefully assess trees that could pose a risk and work closely with customers as we keep our communities safe by reducing the risk of wildfire.”
PG&E said it will work individually with any customers as needed to review necessary safety work on their property.
For example, Gloria Novak, a Nevada City resident, and chair of the Lake Vera Round Mountain Firewise Community, acknowledged that she “didn’t really understand why they needed to cut down a few more of my oak trees.”
PG&E Vegetation Program Manager Joanne Drummond arranged to meet with Novak and review the health of each of the trees identified for work on her property, including one oak tree that was rotting inside.
“At that point I knew that [the tree] could fall at any time,” said Novak, who has shared her experience with her community. "Fire season is upon us, and the work completed by PG&E is making it safer by reducing the chances of trees falling on their power lines.”
All tree work is conducted in coordination with trained arborists, biologists and cultural resource specialists to limit environmental impacts and comply with regulation.
PG&E also conducts follow-up quality inspections to ensure all necessary safety work has been completed.
PG&E’s said its Enhanced Vegetation Management, or EVM, work exceeds state standards for minimum clearances and evaluates the condition of all trees and branches that are tall enough to strike power lines.
As of June, PG&E has completed more than 7,000 miles of EVM work.
PG&E plans to continue these efforts in 2022 by performing at least 1,800 miles of EVM work.
The work is part of the company’s 2022 Wildfire Mitigation Plan, which also includes efforts to underground power line and strengthen the electric system against wildfire risk.
If customers have questions about work on their property, PG&E encourages them to call (800) 564-5080 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and visit www.pge.com/evm.
PG&E continues vegetation management work in Lake County for public safety
- Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
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