Murphys Fuel Break

Summary

SCH Number
2018108074
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Murphys Fuel Break
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/3/2018
Document Description
The proposed shaded fuel break project is located near the town of Murphys in Calaveras County. The project crosses many small land ownerships. The proposed fuel break is located on a strategic ridge top area and control lines were constructed on the ridge for the Butte Fire in 2015, and the Old Gulch Fire in the 1990s. The project area is approx 380 acres in size. The proposed shaded fuel break will be approx 3.8 miles in length. The fuel break will vary in width, but will be at least 300 ft wide. The project area would best be described as oak woodland. Interior live oak is the primary species present, with scattered CA gray pine and Ponderosa pine. Portions of the proposed fuel break contain dense stands of manzanita. The proposed project will be to construct a shaded fuel break along the strategic ridge top resulting in an open and park like condition. Surface and ladder fuels will be reduced by mastication, or hand crews cutting, piling and burning, or chipping brush and trees less than 12-inches diameter at breast height. Residual trees will be spaced to approx 10 ft between live crowns. Residual trees will be pruned up approx 8 ft. Dead trees of any size that pose a safety or fire hazard may be removed. Burning will be conducted during the winter and spring and in compliance with a burn permit from the Calaveras Air Pollution Control District.

Contact Information

Name
Adam Frese
Agency Name
Cal Fire
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Counties
Calaveras
Township
3N
Range
14E
Section
5,6
Base
MDBM

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
The Class of Exemption to be used is 14 CCR 15304 - Minor alterations to land. The project consists of constructing a shaded fuel break. A query of the CNDDB and field surveys did not reveal the presence of any sensitive species. Protection measures for watercourses are consistent with the CA Forest Practice Rules. The project design avoids impacts to archaeological resources.

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.

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