So with all the brouhaha about this project, and the cost — destroyed trees, the gutting of a historic forest, the time, the effort, the distraction from more pressing problems currently facing UC, and the taxpayer dollars (both through FEMA and UC) — we would expect a really substantial reduction in risk. Wouldn’t we?

Maybe not.

According to the Edgewood FEMA application appendices, “We believe that at least a 15% hazard reduction is a realistic estimate of anticipated improvement in the situation.” (Attachment #35)

The South Ridge project is worse. According to the South Ridge FEMA application appendices, the project will be “10% effective in reduce[d] damages, losses, and casualties resulting from fire in the project area.” (Attachment #30, page 151).