Rice's Crossing Preserve Trails
Summary
SCH Number
2018048479
Public Agency
Nevada County
Document Title
Rice's Crossing Preserve Trails
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/23/2018
Document Description
This project involves building two new trails and improving recreational amenities at RCP which is located in Nevada County. RCP is 2,707-acres and is owned and managed by Bear Yuba Land Trust. RCP can be accessed from Rice's Crossing Road located 1/2 mile north of South Yuba River State Park and the historic covered bridge. The property is currently open to the public every day except Tuesday and Thursday, and the hours of operation are sunrise to sunset. There is a 3/4 mile long road that goes down to French Bar from the parking area that the public uses regularly. BYLT does not allow dogs, horses, or bikes on the French Bar Access Trail or anywhere on the south end of RCP. All new trails will be constructed in accordance with USFS trail construction standards and best management practices. Trail grades have been limited to 8% throughout the project, except where physical constraints require a steeper grade to avoid rock outcrops, riparian areas, large trees or other environmental concerns. There are a number of trail segments that have grades of 10%-12%, however they are located on rocky soils so that erosion is not a concern even with these steeper grades. Trail head width will vary from 2-4 ft, depending on location, amount of use, and physical constraints. On steep, rocky slopes, the trail width will be narrow to minimize disturbance and to reduce trail construction costs. The two trails will be built using a mini excavator, chainsaws, and a variety of hand tools. On site materials, including rock for retaining walls and fill, and soil for grading will be used for construction of the trails.
Contact Information
Name
Erin Tarr
Agency Name
Nevada County
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Nevada
Other Location Info
17368 Rice's Crossing Road, North San Juan
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15304
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project includes trail development and trail reconstruction in addition to an ADA restroom, kiosk signs, improvements to parking areas and light access road improvements. Plans for avoidance of oak habitat, watercourses and steep slopes in order to minimize impacts to environmental resources. Measures include timing construction to avoid impacts to nesting birds, minimizing impacts to oaks greater than 6 in. DBH, confining impacts to a min with tree protection measures during construction, reducing the fire risk and promoting large diameter trees by reducing the fuel load of small diameter trees and brush under the dripline of oaks and conifers greater than 24 in. DBH, educational signage focusing on the wildlife habitat values of oak woodlands, signage on the prohibited uses, including dogs, mountain bikes, and horses and who to contact if violations are observed and minimizing potential introduction and spread of noxious weeds.
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.