More than 60 tons of green waste removed from Mission Trails to reduce wildfire risk
More than 60 tons of green waste have been removed from Mission Trails Regional Park as part of a major, multi-year effort led by the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation in partnership with the City of San Diego to reduce wildfire risk, restore native habitat and protect the San Diego River watershed and nearby communities.
Since September 2024, the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation’s contractor, RECON Environmental, has carried out invasive vegetation management and habitat restoration work across approximately 756 acres of the park. Crews have removed 29, 40-yard containers of green waste totaling 62.02 tons, roughly the weight of 31 average passenger cars.
The work was made possible by a $1.8 million award from the San Diego River Conservancy and administered by the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, which works to preserve the park’s natural habitat and provide educational and recreational programs. The project is being carried out in close coordination with the City of San Diego and illustrates the critical role public-private partnerships can play in bringing additional funding, capacity and expertise to the care of public open space.
The grant runs through fall 2027. The agreement specifically calls for reducing the risk and intensity of fire by reducing flammable fuel loads through invasive, non-native plant removal while protecting native habitat and supporting the San Diego River watershed.