Orange Street Fuel Break (3100-2020-FPL-002)

Summary

SCH Number
2020031180
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Orange Street Fuel Break (3100-2020-FPL-002)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/30/2020
Document Description
The Orange Street Fuel Break project is designed to create a break in continuous fuels along a prominent ridgeline to the west of the city of Lake Elsinore. This ridge line was utilized during the Holy Fire in 2018 as a favorable location for bulldozer constructed fire line. Additional handwork was completed along the edges of the dozer line during firefighting efforts to create an effective fire break. This project aims to maintain and improve upon the existing fire break. The constructed fire line will be maintained, and additional hand removal of brush will be completed for 150 feet on either side of the constructed fire line. The proposed fuel reduction work will improve fire suppression effectiveness, reduce the intensity and duration of wildfires, reduce the rate of fire spread, and minimize the amount of work and disturbance necessary to maintain the fuel break in the future. The project area consists of~ 30 acres of thick chaparral and grass. The shrub component is thick, and contains a substantial amount of dead and dying vegetation throughout. Elevation ranges from 1,400 to 2,400 feet. The project area follows a ridgeline with variable slope conditions. The project will consist of creating and maintaining a ~ 300 foot wide fuel break, the majority of which will be adjacent to the existing fire line constructed during the Holy Fire. The existing fire break will be maintained and additional work will include creating a mosaic of vegetation on either side of the firebreak. Work will include cutting, removing, chipping on site, piling and burning, and/or broadcast burning, re-sprouting or overgrown vegetation and dead surface fuels. Heavy equipment will be limited to a rubber tracked skidsteer or tracked chipper. No new roads are to be constructed.

Contact Information

Name
Nochella Funes
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Counties
Riverside
Township
6S
Range
5W
Section
10; 15
Base
SBB&M
Other Location Info
APN's: 386100004,386100016,386100029,387230027,387230016, 387140006, 387230009,387140056, 387140010,and 386100030
Other Information
Alberhill USGS 7.5' Quadrangle

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; § 15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits under portions of 4 Categorical Exemption "15304 Minor Alterations to Land" - "Class 4 consists of 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 exceptions apply that would preclude the use of a notice of exemption for this project. The Department has concluded that no significant environmental impact would occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forestland or 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 or traffic, or to utilities and service systems. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the Department is kept on file at the CAL FIRE, Riverside Unit, 25380 Franklin Dr. Idyllwild CA, 92549.

Attachments

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