Merry Mountain Fuel Reduction
Summary
SCH Number
2020020318
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Merry Mountain Fuel Reduction
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/14/2020
Document Description
This project involves the hand clearing and machine mastication of brush, small trees (trees less than 10" in diameter) and dead woody debris (snags less than 10" in diameter) in areas of the Merry Mountain subdivision to reduce the fire hazard and create a fuel break. Fuels will be chipped, masticated, lopped and scattered, or hand piled for burning later in the season when moisture levels are sufficiently high enough to allow for safe disposal and minimal risk for escape. The project area is approximately 145.8 acres in size. The proposed work period for this project is scheduled for late Winter to early Spring 2020, with a goal of completing this work prior to the beginning of fire season. The burning of piles will take place in mid to late Fall 2020. Equipment used by the contractor(s) may include the following: chainsaws, pole saws, pruning shears, small rubber track masticator, and fire suppression tools. The project should be completed by late Fall 2020, but there may be some remnant pile burning in Spring 2021. This project is funded by the California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (Grant Agreement Number 5GG 17125). CAL FIRE Butte Ranger Unit shall be involved with this project by inspecting the project area after the completion of operations. The Ranger Unit personnel shall validate that the Fuels Treatment work has been satisfactorily completed and authorize the release of grant funds to pay contractors for projected area that has been treated.
Contact Information
Name
Mathew Reischman
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Butte
Township
19N
Range
07E
Section
2, 3
Base
MDB&M
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 § 15304; Class 7 § 15307; Class 8 § 15308
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits within the definitions of the above-listed three Categorical Exemptions authorized in the CEQA Guidelines. Field review and office research conducted by the department confirmed that no exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. I have 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 to utilities and service systems. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the Department is kept on file at CAL FIRE Headquarters - 1416 9th St. Sacramento, CA 95814.
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.