A tight-knit West Sonoma County neighborhood is making a last-ditch effort to save a centuries-old landmark from a PG&E crew’s chainsaw.
The Press Democrat reports the massive Heritage oak on Bones Road, estimated to be at least 250 years old, is scheduled for removal this Thursday. PG&E officials say the 50-foot tree shows signs of decay and poses a fire risk to nearby power lines following a 2024 outage.
However, residents between Forestville and Sebastopol argue the tree is healthy and have even spent their own money on private pruning to ensure clearance. While a county ordinance protects oak woodlands, utility companies are often exempt under state law.
Neighbors are now circulating a petition and have contacted State Senator Mike McGuire’s office, pleading for a “stay of execution” for the local landmark.
