Summit Road/Soquel-San Jose Road Shaded Fuel Break
Summary
SCH Number
2021060280
Public Agency
Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Summit Road/Soquel-San Jose Road Shaded Fuel Break
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/11/2021
Document Description
This project will create a shaded fuel break by removing small trees, underbrush and low hanging limbs on trees within 100’ of Summit Road. Large (over 8” diameter), healthy trees will be retained; dead/dying trees will be removed. Also removed will be trees leaning over the roadway that are at increased susceptibility to falling over the road during wildfires as well as dead trees that have fallen onto the ground. Where large, healthy trees are not present or there are large gaps in the tree canopies, small trees and/or shrubs will be retained, spaced about 15-20’ apart. Most of the cut material will be chipped and broadcast back onsite; material too large for chipping will be hauled off-site. By removing this vegetation, a future wildfire will burn with less intensity, at a slower rate of spread and with a decreased potential for fire to climb into treetops – making fire suppression easier and evacuation during a wildfire safer. Portions of this 100’ zone along the roadside will not receive any work where the project interfaces with the maintained yards of residents. This generally occurs within the 100’ “Defensible Space” residents have already created. Within this project the woody invasive species, such as French broom, will be cut and removed. The stumps of broom over one inch in diameter will be treated with herbicide; specimens smaller than this will receive a direct foliar application of herbicide. All application will occur with a Licensed Applicator in accordance with the guidelines specified by a licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA). It is anticipated the majority of the project will be conducted during the summer and fall months, with follow-up maintenance occurring periodically, as needed.
Contact Information
Name
James McKenna
Agency Name
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Los Gatos
Counties
Santa Clara, Santa Cruz
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
Summit Road and Soquel-San Jose Road
Zip
95033
Total Acres
15
Parcel #
N/A
State Highways
N/A
Railways
N/A
Airports
N/A
Schools
Loma Prieta Joint School District
Waterways
Laurel Creek
Township
9S
Range
1W
Section
00
Base
N/A
Other Location Info
N/A
Other Information
Project is located on 34 parcels, must of which are privately owned residences.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15304 Class 4
Reasons for Exemption
This project is categorically exempt pursuant to Sec. 15304 Minor Alterations to Land for the following reasons: No healthy, mature, or scenic trees will be removed, no take of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species will occur, and there will be no significant impacts to surface waters. For the reasons stated above, this project shall be exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
County Clerk
Santa Cruz
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.