Two people stand on a grassy, wooded hillside as one gestures toward a tree, with sunlight streaming through dense foliage and casting long beams across the forest floor.
Wallis Robinson (L) of University of California Cooperative Extension discusses a diseased tree while Cal Fire forester Chris Lee (R) looks on. The two participated as subject matter experts in a workshop about Sudden Oak Death held at a forest outside Willits, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Sarah Reith/Mendocino County Fire Safe Council via Bay City News)

This article was written by Sarah Reith on behalf of the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council. The Mendocino Voice retains editorial oversight.

MENDOCINO CO., 12/17/25 — On a bright, crisp winter morning outside of Willits, the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council hosted a training by scientists from the UC Cooperative Extension and Cal Fire on that scourge of oaks that made its first California appearance in Marin County in 1994. Since then, 14 counties, including Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma counties are all on federal and state quarantine regulations to combat Sudden Oak Death, more commonly called SOD.

Continue reading for FREE

We just want to make sure you’re a human! Sign in to keep reading and receive our weekday newsletter in your inbox.

Or

Privacy Policy

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.