Eucalyptus Tree Removal
Summary
SCH Number
2011058144
Public Agency
Santa Cruz County
Document Title
Eucalyptus Tree Removal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/13/2011
Document Description
This project will focus on removing a non-native eucalyptus grove from the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is located within the Pajaro River Watershed and contains 3 of 22 breeding ponds for the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander, as well as other threatened and endangered plants and animals. This grove has high fuel level which threatens public safety and has been identified by local fire agencies as a location for fuel reduction. The grove is located on the Refuge adjacent to a KOA campground, Renaissance High School and residences. Removal of Eucalyptus has also been identified in Goal 1, 4, and 5 of the Ellicott Slough NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan. These goals include protecting endangered species and Refuge resources, fuel reduction, restoration and promoting long-term viability of the Pajaro Valley Watershed. Trees will be felled and then removed from the site. Stumps will be treated with a Service-approved herbicide with a certified Pesticide Use Proposal by Refuge Staff. This project will assist/complete an on-going California Conservation Corp effort at the Refuge. Once the grove has been removed, the Refuge will begin to restore this area with native plants.
Contact Information
Name
James McKenna
Agency Name
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Watsonville
Counties
Santa Cruz
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class:1,3,4,33;Sec.15301,15303,
Reasons for Exemption
Sec. cont.: 15304, 15333
It is our determination that this project will resolve a public safety concern by preventing wildlife along the wildland urban interface.
All of the projects have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and therefore shall be exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
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.