Forestry and Fire Protection, Department of
(Cal Fire)
Document Title
Eaton Park- Big Canyon Park Fuel Reduction
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Document Description
The project proposes to reduce surface and ladder fuels within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) through the use of hand crews, chippers, goat grazing, and masticators. Fuel reduction will include the treatment of grasses, forbs, brush, small trees, and downed, dead material. Up to 11 small-diameter bay trees may also be removed to help prevent the spread of the sudden oak death pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum). These fuel reduction treatments will be used to create a mosaic of retained vegetation on up to 77 acres within portions of Eaton and Big Canyon Parks. Some areas will not be treated due to the presence of cut banks, light fuel loads, steep slopes, riparian set-backs and/or equipment limitations.
The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce fuel loads and vertical and horizontal fuel continuity within the WUI in a densely populated area of the City of San Carlos. Terrain in the proposed project area is steep and portions of the proposed project area are covered with extremely dense brush. Both Eaton and Big Canyons Parks are located in areas classified as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Within Big Canyon Park, the proposed project will utilize goat grazing, hand crews, and chippers. Within Eaton Park, the proposed project will utilize goat grazing, hand crews, and chippers.
The work proposed is a minor alteration to vegetation which does not involves removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees and is consistent with Categorical Exemptions Class 4 - Minor alteration to Land. No activity is proposed that is listed as a limitation under CCR. 15300.2 (a-f)
