Inglenook Training Site
Summary
SCH Number
2020030834
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Inglenook Training Site
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/20/2020
Document Description
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is planning a hand crew training exercise on private property located at 1991 St Helena Hwy in Napa county. Hand crews will be trained on proper chainsaw use and safe falling practices for cutting trees of various sizes and complexities, as well as creating fire line using hand tools. The continuous training of these crews furthers the mission of CAL FIRE, as they are a major contributor to fire suppression efforts in the state. The project area has had fire suppression efforts in the past, and is along old roads, which increases the realism of the training. The project site for this training is a mixed conifer forest, with large portions of Oaks (Quercus spp. ) and Ghost pine (Pinus sabiniana), with components of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziessi) and Macnab Cypress (Cupressus macnabiana.). Per consolation with the LNU Unit Forester Kim Sone, no Douglas-fir or Ponderosa Pines will be felled as part of this project. With the area for tree felling included, the total area of the project will be 23.76 acres, however, the ground disturbance from the line will be slightly under one acre. The handline will be located on previously disturbed sites, some of which were created by bulldozers during previous fire suppression efforts, and old road systems. No heavy machinery will be used on the project, all work will be accomplished by hand tools and chainsaws. The project will be located 100 ft. from watercourses.
Contact Information
Name
Brian Simpson
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Rutherford
Counties
Napa
Cross Streets
1991 St Helena Hwy
Zip
94573
Township
7N
Range
5W
Section
17&18
Base
MDB&M
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 § 15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits the description for a Class 4, § 15304 - Minor Alterations to Land Categorical Exemption to CEQA. Field review by CAL FIRE staff confirmed that no exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. The project consists of minor treatments to land and vegetation in the form of brush and non-commercial tree removal using chainsaws and fire line creation using hand tools. The activities will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species, or sedimentation to surface waters. 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 to utilities and service systems. Documentation on the environmental review completed by CAL FIRE is kept on file at CAL FIRE's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Headquarters. This project as proposed is not expected to result in a significant impact on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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