Sacramento River Bank Protection Project-Butte Slough Overflow Channel-Tree Procurement (11 trees)
Summary
SCH Number
2002088002
Public Agency
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
Document Title
Sacramento River Bank Protection Project-Butte Slough Overflow Channel-Tree Procurement (11 trees)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/31/2002
Document Description
9 Cottonwood, 1 Willow and 1 Oregon Ash tree to be harvested from the overflow channel to retain entire rootball, trunk and branch structure. Trees will be transported to river mile 149 on the Sacramento River for experimental application that attempts to emulate natural instream woody material (IWM). The anchoring of IWM on revetment is an experimental measure to increase fish habitat values. The benefits of this experimental feature will be evaluated through the SRBPP Comprehensive Monitoring Plan (CMP) for Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems, under a Corps contract with Stillwater Sciences. These studies constitute a federal action to meet an environmental commitment made by the Corps and the Reclamation Board with the USFWS and NMFS under biological opinions as provided for under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Contact Information
Name
Deborah Condon
Agency Name
Reclamation Board
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Sutter
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1,6 Section 15301, 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Anchoring of trees on revetments is considered an experimental application that will be monitored for use and benefit to fisheries. The excavation of whole root structures and use of branching structure is a critical component of the experimental design as is the use of native trees species. The removal of 11 trees from a large grove of several hundred cohort trees will not constitute a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Cottonwood, Willow and Oregon Ash are not commercial species subject to timber harvest plans. The Class 1 existing public facility is the Sacramento River Flood Control Project which includes "overflow channels of the Sacramento River and its tributaries" (CA Water Code 8361(f) including the Butte Slough Overflow channel.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.