San Diego River Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
In Santee, California
The City of Santee has been awarded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to reduce wildfire risk along the San Diego River corridor. This project focuses on proactive planning and environmental review to support long-term community safety, protection of critical infrastructure, and preservation of sensitive river habitats.
The project area encompasses approximately 300 acres along the San Diego River within the City’s jurisdiction. The corridor includes residential neighborhoods, public parks, recreational trails, and biologically sensitive habitats that are increasingly vulnerable to wildfire due to invasive vegetation, accumulated dead plant material, and frequent ignition sources.
The total project proposed cost is $7,284,240, which includes a non-federal funds cost sharing requirement. The San Diego River Conservancy has partnered with the City of Santee and is granting the City $907,568 toward cost sharing assistance and support for other reduction in wildfire risk efforts.
Project Phases and Timeline
Project Phases
The program is structured in two phases:
Phase 1 – Environmental Review and Planning (Current Phase)
The City is currently in Phase 1 of the project, which is focused on environmental analysis, technical planning, and regulatory coordination. This phase establishes the foundation for any future on-the-ground work and ensures that all actions are environmentally responsible and legally compliant.
Phase 1 activities include:
- Development of a Fuels Treatment Plan for the San Diego River corridor
- Environmental review under CEQA and NEPA
- Biological and cultural resource assessments
- Identification and mapping of non-native and invasive plant species
- Identification of defensible space treatment zones
- Coordination with state and federal resource agencies
- Development of best management practices to protect sensitive habitats
- Planning for phased implementation that prioritizes environmental protection
The primary planning focus in Phase 1 is:
- Removal of non-native and invasive vegetation
- Reduction of accumulated dead and hazardous plant material
- Establishment of defensible space concepts near adjacent development
- Preservation of riparian canopy, wetlands, and sensitive habitats
Phase 1 does not authorize widespread vegetation removal but prepares the project for responsible implementation if Phase 2 funding is approved.
Phase 2 - Implementation (Pending Funding Approval)
Phase 2 would involve physical implementation of vegetation management and defensible space treatments identified in the planning documents. Phase 2 is contingent on additional funding approval and regulatory permits.
If approved, implementation is anticipated to begin in Fall/Winter 2026 and would include:
- Removal of non-native and invasive plant species
- Removal of dead and dying vegetation
- Creation and maintenance of defensible space near structures
- Reduction of wildfire fuel continuity along the river corridor
- Use of hand crews, mechanical methods, and other environmentally appropriate techniques
- Strict adherence to biological, cultural, and water quality protection measures
No Phase 2 work will occur unless all environmental approvals, permits, and funding are secured.
Environmental Stewardship and Public Safety
The City of Santee is committed to balancing wildfire risk reduction with protection of the San Diego River’s ecological resources. The river corridor contains sensitive riparian habitats, wetlands, and wildlife corridors that require careful planning and regulatory oversight. All project activities are designed to:
- Protect water quality
- Preserve riparian and wetland functions
- Minimize soil disturbance and erosion
- Avoid impacts to special-status species
- Comply with state and federal environmental laws
Project Timeline (Estimated)
2022: Applied for the grant
2024: Received grant award notice
2026: Completion of Phase 1 environmental review and planning
2026 Fall/Winter: Potential start of Phase 2 implementation (if funding and approvals are secured)
2027: Completion of grant-funded work, subject to funding conditions
The City will continue to provide updates as the project progresses. Public input and transparency are central to this effort, and all environmental documents will be made available for review as required by law.
Hazard Mitigation Project Boundaries Map
