Defensible Space Chipper Program
Summary
SCH Number
2006088045
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Defensible Space Chipper Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/4/2006
Document Description
The Butte County Chipper Program will aid in protecting homes, communities and watersheds by reducing fuels in the wildland urban interface (WUI). Fuel reduction in the WUI will protect the environment from fires originating in or around homes from spreading to watersheds, as well as protect homes and communities from encroaching fire. Moreover, the program will provide residents and community fire safe councils the means to safely dispose of the hazardous fuels through chipping rather than burning; a practice which often leads to escaped fires.
The Butte County Chipper Program, funded by a CDF Proposition 40 grant, will provide only for the chipping of hazardous fuels that have been cleared by residents, and community fire safe councils on an estimated 399 acres within the wildland urban interface of Butte County. All material will be cut by residents and community fire safe councils and yarded to the edge of roadways and driveways where it will be chipped. No mechanical equipment, including the chipper and transport vehicles will be used off road. The chipper will be restricted to existing roadways and driveways.
Contact Information
Name
David Hawks
Agency Name
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Oroville, Paradise
Counties
Butte
Other Location Info
Communities of Cohasset, Forest Ranch, Butte Creek Canyon, Magalia, Concow, Yankee Hill, Berry Creek, Feather Falls, and South and East Oroville.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15304(l) allows minor alteration of the vegetation, including fuel management activities to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation, provided the activities do not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant/animal species, or cause significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters.
Ground disturbing activity will be minimal as chipping will occur from existing roads and driveways; no equipment will leave existing road surfaces. The transport vehicle and chipper will travel over and park only upon existing roads. All material to be chipped will be brought to the chipper by hand. This project as proposed will not have a significant impact on the environment.
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.