Yosemite NP. Wawona Road Hazard Tree and Biomass Removal (SSARR Fuel Reduction and Biomass Utilization)
1 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2019070894
Public Agency
Yosemite National Park
Document Title
Yosemite NP. Wawona Road Hazard Tree and Biomass Removal (SSARR Fuel Reduction and Biomass Utilization)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/18/2019
Document Description
The Wawona Road hazard tree and biomass removal project mirrors the Mariposa County SSARR Fuel Reduction and Biomass Utilization project. The primary goal of the project is to remove hazard trees and biomass up to 200 feet from Wawona Road.
Small diameter green trees (<20”DBH) or hazard trees will be fallen. Biomass may either be transported offsite or converted into biochar or electricity through a portable biogen plant staged at one of several locations in the park.
See Attached NOE For Full Details.
Contact Information
Name
Garrett Dickman
Agency Name
Yosemite National Park
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Yosemite National Park
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Counties
Mariposa
Other Location Info
Project is located in Yosemite National Park along Wawona Road (Highway 41) from Chinquapin (junction of Wawona Road and Glacier Point Road) to the South Entrance of the park. The project is located in Mariposa County. The tree removal work is typically conducted within a 200 foot distance of the road. Staging and storage areas for the project include Badger Pass, Wawona woodyard, and El Capitan woodyard.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Declared Emergency
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a)
Reasons for Exemption
Categorical Exemption (Type and Section No.): Existing Facilities, §15301(c) and §15301(h) CEQA Guidelines
Statutory Exemption (State Code No.): PRC Section §21080(b)(4); §15269(c) CEQA Guidelines
The Yosemite Fire Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement (2004) describes creating fuel breaks along Wawona Road as a major goal. All necessary mitigation for this project have been included to protect natural and cultural resources that have the potential to be harmed during implementation. Additionally, tree mortality hazard mitigation efforts are a short term task necessary to mitigate an emergency. As such, they are exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Statutory Exemptions, Section 15269 EMERGENCY PROJECTS. The felling of dead or dying hazard trees along federally-maintained roads and is necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency to public health and emergency access. The abundance of dead or dying hazard trees in these locations is a result of a severe drought in the area and bark beetle-infestation and are a short-term project.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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