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The goal of the Oak Tree Protection and Regeneration Program is to sustain and, where possible, enhance the native oak resources of Santa Barbara County. Specifically, the program seeks to ensure that there is no net loss of native oak trees and that, if possible and with the help of incentives, the number and extent of remaining valley, blue, and live oak trees increase. To accomplish this, the program combines elements of landowner flexibility and voluntary oak regeneration with oak protection. This approach will benefit the county’s oaks, avoid undue burdens on private property, and foster trust between land stewards, concerned citizens and local government.
The Oak Tree Specialist is available to assist agricultural landowners in following the ordinance, creating management plans and assisting with any necessary mitigation. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is also available to conduct public outreach regarding oaks to schools, home owner’s associations, clubs or businesses and to assist homeowners with general oak tree health, planting, or pruning questions.
Questions about oak removal on non-agricultural land or inquiries about projects requiring permits should be directed to the Planning and Development Department.
 High School Planting Project - The goal of the project is to collect acorns from several locations throughout the County and work with the local high schools where the acorns originated from to plant and care for the seedlings. The best case scenario will be participation from at least one school in each geographic area. This will create sources of trees for planting that come from locally harvested seed stock. The County will provide funding to purchase pots, planter boxes, soil, and rental equipment to move soil and to produce a written program. Seedlings will be given to agricultural landowners for oak regeneration projects on their land.
If you are interested in participating in the project, please contact the Oak Specialist.
REPP Program - The Roadway Enhancement Partnership Program is designed to allow interested parties to adopt County roads and help to maintain and beautify sections of County roadside. Projects allowed under the program include litter removal, tree planting and landscaping, vegetation control, graffiti removal and other road improvements. Road adoption is FREE of charge and participants undergo a brief training and receive advertisement signs for their project. The REPP Program is run by the Public Works Department.
Recognition Award Program - The Recognition Award Program is designed to create an incentive for oak protection and regeneration efforts by landowners by providing industry and public recognition.
To nominate a landowner for recognition, please contact the Oak Specialist.
Oak Planting Database - The Agriculture Commissioner’s Office is compiling a database of oaks that are voluntarily planted on agricultural land throughout the County. It is important to keep a database in order to show that the voluntary efforts by the agricultural community are working and making a difference.
If you have voluntarily planted oaks within the County within the past five years, please call the Oak Specialist to have your trees added to the database.
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