Tule Jim Lane Fuel Break

Tule Jim Lane Fuel Break

This project proposes the establishment of a 100-foot-wide fuel break along both sides of Tule Jim Lane for a total width of 200-feet. The fuel break will begin at Old Hwy 80 on the north and terminate at Jewel Valley Road on the south for a total linear distance of 1.7 miles and will result in treatment of approximately 39 acres. Treatment will include reducing the existing fuel loading of mixed chaparral vegetation by approximately 80%. Native vegetation targeted for removal will include chamise, red shank, California buckwheat, and big basin sage brush that commonly occur within the project area. Broadleaf species present within the project include manzanita, ceanothus, Holly leaf cherry and scrub oak. These broad leaf species will be retained to present a mosaic effect but may be thinned where necessary to obtain 80% reduction target. No live trees will be cut. Cane Cholla, Ephedra and annual grasses and forbs will be left untreated. Shrub vegetation will be cut a ground level and root structures left in place to reduce the potential for erosion. All cut vegetation will be piled and burned on site under San Diego County Air Pollution Control District permit. All work will be performed by CAL FIRE hand crews using hand tools and chain saws. Piles will be burned by CAL FIRE engine crews during the winter months. The unincorporated community of Boulevard is situated on the east side of the Tecate Divide surrounded by rugged mountainous terrain just south of Interstate 8 adjacent to the Mexican border in southeastern San Diego County. Boulevard is an isolated community of widely spaced rural residences with a population of approx. 400.

San Diego