Cuesta Camp County - Wide Exempt Conservation & Training Projects (Cut/Pile/Burn)

Cuesta Camp County - Wide Exempt Conservation & Training Projects (Cut/Pile/Burn)

The most common treatment method utilized for both training and conservation projects involves crews cutting and piling excess vegetation and then disposing of it by burning. Piles are occasionally burned immediately after cutting but most often burning occurs after the vegetation has been allowed to dry for several days or weeks in order to facilitate faster more complete consumption and less smoke production. This method is used where burning is permissible which generally means the less populated areas of the County outside of cities and urban/village reserve lines boundaries. Prior to any burning, wither CAL FIRE or the project sponsor must secure a burn permit from the Air Pollution Control District (APCD). The APCD may grant a variance, but burning us generally allowed only during permissive burn days. This is the most common project method performed by Cuesta CC and comprises approximately 80% or more of the non-emergency work performed by hand crews in any given year. Depending on incident activity and on site conditions, 200-300 acres are annually treated by this method county-wide. No heavy equipment use is authorized under this document. A CAL FIRE Archaeologist will review the project area to prevent impacts to cultural resources. A query of the Natural Diversity Database will be performed for each project area to check for the presence of listed plants or animals. DFG and the CCRWQCB will be consulted as necessary for input on an individual project basis. Piles will not be burned within the standard width of a watercourse or lake protection zone.

San Luis Obispo

Countywide