Thank you for Sebastian Ruiz’s article of Jan. 10, 2008 (“Progress on Sunset Cliffs Natural Park raises brows,” page 1) regarding implementation of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park’s Master Plan, a plan focused on preserving Sunset Cliffs as a natural park. The park planning process received many years of broad-based community input plus rigorous city of San Diego and California Coastal Commission review. A copy of the master plan is available at: www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/pdf/sunsetcliffsmasterplan.pdf. A major focus of the master plan is a comprehensive drainage solution with the intention of reducing the loss of precious parkland through unnecessary erosion. Another important component of the master plan is native habitat restoration, which will increase biodiversity needed for a healthy native ecosystem.
The removal of dead and dying eucalyptus trees and the replacement with healthy native plants is a necessary part of the restoration process.
The trees are infested with the eucalyptus longhorned beetle borers which, like the eucalyptus trees, are native to Australia. For years, the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council recommended trying to prolong the existence of the stressed and diseased trees by trimming the beetle-infested branches and encouraging the growth of the healthier trees. The beetles, however, have continued boring around the branches, thus cutting off the supply of nutrients to the trees. Although the beetles also infest eucalyptus trees in their native Australia, the beetles’ natural predators control the beetle population in Australia.
As park visitors are aware, the trees have become more stressed through the years, especially with recurring drought conditions, and are now viewed by many as a potential safety and fire hazard.
The master plan recommends restoring the park with native plants, torrey pine and coastal oak trees indigenous to the Sunset Cliffs area. The removal of exotics and restoration of natives will result in a beautiful and healthy ecosystem which can tolerate our frequent drought conditions. Root structures of the natives will be helpful in holding the soil and reducing erosion. It is anticipated that the restoration process will be gradual as volunteers and funds become available.
You are also welcome to attend regular meetings of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council, the official advisory group for Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which are held at the Cabrillo Recreation Center from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.