Fire Safe Landscaping Plants

[Janie]

Hello,

I need a list of plants that are and are not acceptable according to fire regulations for mountain property leased from the Angeles National Forest.

Thank you,
Jane

[Nolena]

Are you interested in native plants, fire resistive native plants, plants considered invasive, or specific plants not allowed to be planted on the Angeles?

[Janie]

I'm trying to find out if the FS has a list of plants that you can grow on leased property on the Angeles.

I understand that Wrightwood FSC has dealt with this problem already. I want to learn from their experience.

The property in question has native water-loving plants growing in the garden as well as other fire-safe plants. FS has requested they all be removed.

I also want to know who makes the "rules", i.e., the lists. Is it the local FSCs, the FS, the County, the State, the water district?

The list seems to require drought-resistant plants as well as fire-resistant ones. But how can FS insist on drought-resistant plants as well?

It doesn't make sense to me to remove all plants and put back new ones from different parts of the world.

Maybe the issue is gardening on leased forest land which is not supposed to be occupied year-round, but only as a vacation residence.

Thanks. Any information will be appreciated.

Jane

[Wildman]

I would think that the rules are being made by the Forest Service.   I would probably start by going to the Angeles person who is responsible for dealing with folks with cabin leases on Forest Service property.  Check with their main office in Arcadia (Angeles National Forest Supervisor's Office) or call the information center at Big Pines for a name and number.  They can put you in touch with someone who could answer your questions.

I know that the lease cabins are supposed to maintained in exactly the condition that they were when they were build with no other "improvements".  You are correct when you say that they are for vacation only and not full time residence. 
For those fortunate enough to have the cabins, they are a bargain for the amount paid each year.