Laguna Canyon Unified Interface Fuel Break and Habitat Restoration Project - Cactus Restoration Project (Project Tracking Number l 7-FP-ORC-2013)
Summary
SCH Number
2020020348
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Laguna Canyon Unified Interface Fuel Break and Habitat Restoration Project - Cactus Restoration Project (Project Tracking Number l 7-FP-ORC-2013)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/18/2020
Document Description
The Laguna Beach Fire Department (LBFD) proposes to install native cactus as a fire-resistant buffer along portions of Laguna Canyon Road (i.e., State Route 133) within the County of Orange. The project site is outside of and adjacent to the eastern boundary of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The project would restore an approximately 20-foot wide by 4,000-foot long strip (1.84 acres) that is adjacent to Laguna Canyon Road. This strip would be modified from disturbed, predominately non-native grassland that becomes highly flammable during the dry season to a more fire-resistant, cactus-dominated scrub. The LBFD's responsibility is to provide fire prevention and safety measures for the City of Laguna Beach. Proposed project activities would include replacement of the existing disturbed roadside habitat with water-efficient and fire-resistant native landscaping to reduce wildfire hazards and increase safety. The purpose of this cactus roadside restoration is to reduce the potential for roadside fires to spread into the wildland and adjacent urban communities.
Contact Information
Name
Mike Rohde
Agency Name
City of Laguna Beach
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
CalFire
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Counties
Orange
Other Location Info
T06S, R08W, Section 30
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed Laguna Canyon Unified Interface Fuel Break and Habitat Restoration Project - Cactus Restoration Project can be categorized as Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land per CEQA Guideline Section 15304. Section 15304 states: Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Example includes, but is not limited to: (b) New gardening or landscaping, including the replacement of existing conventional landscaping with water efficient or fire resistant landscaping. After assessing potential environmental impacts and evaluating the description for the various classes of categorical exemptions to CEQA, CAL FIRE has determined that the project fits within one or more of the exemption classes and no exceptions exist at the project site which would preclude the use of this exemption. CAL FIRE considered the possibility of (a) sensitive location, (b) cumulative impact, ( c) significant impact due to unusual circumstances, ( d) impacts to scenic highways, ( e) activities within a hazardous waste site, and (f) significant adverse change to the significance of a historical resource. A notice of exemption will be filed at the State Clearinghouse. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the LBFD is kept on file at 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 After assessing potential environmental impacts and evaluating the description for the various classes of Categorical Exemptions to CEQA
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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