College of the Siskiyous Statement Regarding Essential Tree Removal Project for Campus Safety and Future Development

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2025

Public Relations Office
Dawnie Slabaugh
Phone: (530) 938-5373
Email: slabaugh@siskiyous.edu

Weed /COS – The College of the Siskiyous (Siskiyous) releases the following statement regarding the comprehensive tree removal project across various areas of its Weed campus. This critical initiative is being undertaken for multiple interconnected reasons, prioritizing the safety of our campus community, mitigating environmental threats, and preparing for vital future infrastructure development.

This project is a direct response to several pressing concerns:

• CalFire Requirements and Wildfire Preparedness: As part of our ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention and in strict adherence to regulations set forth by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), the college is creating and maintaining defensible space around all campus structures. This proactive measure is essential to protect our students, faculty, staff, facilities, and surrounding neighborhood from the increasing threat of wildfires in our region.
• Bark Beetle Infestation Mitigation: Our campus trees have been significantly impacted by widespread bark beetle infestations, exacerbated by drought conditions. Infested trees are compromised, highly susceptible to falling, and pose a severe safety hazard. Their removal is crucial to prevent the further spread of these destructive pests and to eliminate immediate dangers to campus occupants and infrastructure.
• Enhanced Campus Safety Precautions: Beyond wildfire and beetle-related issues, the project addresses general safety concerns posed by dead, dying, or structurally unstable trees that could fall and cause injury or property damage. Proactive removal ensures a safer environment for all who study, work, and visit our campus.
• Preparation for New Campus Infrastructure: The tree removal is also a necessary preparatory step for two pivotal capital improvement projects that will significantly enhance the student experience and educational environment at Siskiyous:
  • Theater Renovation: Site preparation for our eagerly anticipated Theater Renovation project will require the clearing of specific areas to accommodate swing space and construction crews.
  • New Student Housing Complex: Similarly, the development of a much-needed new Student Housing Complex necessitates tree removal in designated construction zones to create a safe and efficient building site for future student residences.

"The decision to remove trees is never taken lightly, as we deeply value the natural beauty of our campus," stated Dr. Char Perlas, Superintendent/President of College of the Siskiyous. "However, the safety of our campus community and the long-term sustainability of our facilities must always be our top priority. This project is a multi-faceted approach to address critical safety hazards, comply with state fire regulations, combat the effects of the bark beetle epidemic, and pave the way for essential new facilities that will serve generations of students."

Siskiyous is committed to minimizing the environmental impact where possible and will consider appropriate replanting efforts in suitable areas once these critical phases are complete. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our campus community and the public as we undertake this vital work to ensure a safer, more resilient, and modern College of the Siskiyous.

Contact: College of the Siskiyous Public Information Office - pio@siskiyous.edu or (530) 938-5373