Pack Mules Help Park District Fire Department with Fuels Reduction Project

On Monday, August 23, 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department began a novel approach in fuels management by using pack mules to haul fire hazardous material from Don Castro Regional Recreation Area in Hayward. 

This is the first time the District has used pack mules as part of a comprehensive fuels management project.  

The District is contracting with Frank and Jan Henderson of Lincoln, California, owners of Snow Creek Mules. 

These pack mules typically are hired to pack in supplies to firefighters in remote wilderness fires and pack out debris from remote campsites.

For the Park District project, approximately five mules will haul cut underbrush and small trees from the project area, which is not easily accessible by vehicle.

During this project, portions of the Whispering Creek Trail from Woodrow Avenue along the lake’s southern bank will be closed weekdays, 8 am – 5 pm.