Dear editor, I am writing this letter in response to Napa resident, Bob Robeson, who in a letter to the Register dated Nov. 19 attributed the removal of plum trees at Alston Park to the Napa Community Resources Director (“City cut down the glories of Alston Park”).

The decision to remove these trees as well as tall grasses at Alston Park was a joint decision of the Community Resources Department staff, a certified arborist and the Napa Fire Department.

Last June, as part of the city’s regular fire hazard weed abatement program, city staff met with Fire Department officials to review fire hazards at our three large open space parks: Alston, Timberhill and Westwood Hills.

During an earlier site visit at Alston Park, the Fire Department, in conjunction with the arborist, recommended the removal of dead trees in the upper orchard area of the park as part of the aforementioned fire abatement program.

This also included the parks division’s annual mowing of tall grasses, which is also part of the fire/weed abatement program.

The trees recommended for removal are those mentioned in Mr. Robeson’s letter.

While many of the dead plum trees were removed, many of the original trees remain.

The Community Resources Department has already begun the process of reforestation of this site with native trees.

New trees will continue to be planted in this area, which will include an irrigation system to help ensure establishment and survival.

Earlier this year the city council agreed with a recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission to expand the off-leash dog area at Alston Park.

Included in that plan will be additional trail and signage improvements along with the establishment of an Alston Park Citizens Committee.

Many of these improvements have already been addressed by staff, including better trail alignment, signage and fencing.

Beginning January 2009, the Citizens Committee will begin working with the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff to develop additional park improvements which will be funded through an endowment to the park.

Depending upon how the endowment funds are invested, approximately $30,000 will become available annually for park improvements at Alston Park above the funds the city currently budgets for park maintenance at this site.

Perhaps Mr. Robeson and other interested residents would like to participate on this committee. Their input and participation is most certainly welcomed and encouraged. If interested, please contact the Community Resources Department at 257-9532 for more information.

Larry Mazzuca / Community Resources Director, City of Napa