China Creek Training Project
Summary
SCH Number
2019058111
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
China Creek Training Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/7/2019
Document Description
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ("CAL FIRE","Department") is proposing training bums on 48 acres of foothill grass and oak habitat at China Creek Park. The park is managed by the County of Fresno and is open to public
use. The purpose of the project is to provide opportunities for local fire service agencies to train with live fire use in a controlled environment. Ancillary benefits of the project include fuels modification, range and wildlife habitat improvement. Bum areas are bounded by existing service roads and foot trails. If additional fire control features are deemed necessary, line creation activities will be monitored by a CAL FIRE archaeologist or their supervised designee. Routine fire control training activities may include mobile attack, hand tool use, and progressive hose lay installation. Lighting will be conducted with hand ignition devices. All burning will be performed in accordance with terms and conditions of a bum permit issued by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The Department has been tasked with increasing acres of land treated and this training bum will be another step toward achieving that goal. Annual refresher training is expected to occur if site monitoring indicates satisfactory burning conditions are likely to result in habitat improvement.
Contact Information
Name
Ryan Wimmer
Agency Name
CAL FIRE
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Sanger
Counties
Fresno
Cross Streets
Smith Rd. x Rainbow Route
Township
14S
Range
23E
Section
7/8
Base
MD B&M
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits within the above-listed Categorical Exemption, Declared Emergency, and Emergency Project listed in the CEQA Guidelines. The project meets the requirements of Class 4, §15304(e): Minor Alteration to the Land Categorical Exemption to CEQA. "Class 4" includes minor public or private alterations in the conditions of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, and scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. Field review by CAL FIRE staff confirmed that no § 15300.2 Exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. CAL FIRE staff has concluded that no significant environmental impact would occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forestland/timberland, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation/traffic, or utilities and service systems. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the Department is kept on file at CAL FIRE Fresno-Kings Unit Headquarters at 210 South Academy Avenue, Sanger, CA 93657.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, 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. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.