Howard Forest Secondary Helipad Construction Project
Summary
SCH Number
2021060287
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Howard Forest Secondary Helipad Construction Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/14/2021
Document Description
The project area is located just outside the existing Howard Forest Helitack facility on newly acquired land (29 acres). The project consists of the construction of a new 60 ft x 60 ft secondary helipad approximately 80 feet to the south of the existing pad to accommodate the larger new Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk. Approximately, 0-3600 cubic feet of soil will be graded. Additional temporary ground disturbance will occur on approximately 15 feet around the perimeter of the secondary helicopter pad from construction equipment. The new surface will be graded, compacted, and rocked prior to installing the new concrete helicopter pad. Work will consist of the redistribution of graded soils and approximately two feet of engineered soil fill, 7,200 cubic feet, to expand the newly leveled area. A small access road, between 50-75 feet in length and 12 feet wide will be constructed to aid in the transportation of fill and concrete. The expansion area is located adjacent to old Highway 101, a skid trail, and a ranch road, all of which had been previously shaped and graded for vehicle use. Construction of the new secondary helicopter pad and access road will involve the use of heavy equipment such as an excavator, bulldozer, skid steer, fork lift, 10 wheel-dump truck, 10-yard concrete mixer truck, smooth drum roller, and sheepfoot roller. Construction of the secondary helicopter pad is expected to take approximately 3-4 weeks.
Contact Information
Name
Christina Snow
Agency Name
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Black Bart Drive
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3, Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Reasons for Exemption
Although this project will result in minimal loss of grassland, it will not alter or convert the surrounding vegetation type already present in the project area. A search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) yielded no results suggesting the presence of rare, threatened or endangered plant or animal species on the project site that would be negatively affected by this project. Recommendations by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to analyze impacts and survey for native grasslands and ground nesting birds not listed on the CNDDB were also implemented for this project. A CAL FIRE State Archaeologist has been consulted and has determined, based on archeological surveys and historical information for the project area, that the project will not negatively impact Native American or historical resources. As such, CAL FIRE has concluded that no significant environmental impact would occur.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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