Saltcedar Burn Pile 2021 Update
Summary
SCH Number
2021120389
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Saltcedar Burn Pile 2021 Update
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/16/2021
Document Description
This project is located within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) on Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) property north and east of Independence, California. LADWP diverts water from the Owens River and its tributaries onto alluvial fans or settling basins; LADWP is required by state and local agencies to monitor and control invasive saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) growth in all locations where water is spread. Saltcedar control of cutting and pile formation has been completed by LADWP; this project scope is limited to CAL FIRE crews burning previously created saltcedar piles. Project implementation will help control invasive saltcedar, ecologically restore habitat, and reduce wildfire risk. In addition to saltcedar, vegetation communities with the project area are dominated by Torreys saltbush (Atriplex torreyi), rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia), longspine horsebrush (Tetradymia axillaris, and Johnson’s indigobush (Psorothamnus arborescens var. minutifolius). Several watercourses occur within the project area; however, pile burning will not constitute a substantial change or result in a significant impact to these resources. CAL FIRE has coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to assess the potential risk to these resources and determined that no permits are necessary. Only previously created piles of saltcedar slash are intended for burning. Therefore, control lines will need to be created by hand around each pile or groups of piles to control burns. Project implementation is expected to occur outside of nesting bird season, September 15-March 15, to the extent possible. Work may be done during nesting bird season if nesting surveys are performed prior to commencement of operations. Piles were created with the intent of burning with pile diameter sizes ranging from six feet to ten feet in diameter. Piles will be ignited using various firing devices such as drip torches and fusees. Burning will occur when appropriate and on allowable burn days. Vehicles and equipment will remain on existing access roads; all access into non-disturbed, vegetated areas will be by foot. Maintenance entries will occur as necessary following the same prescription and measures outlined above. No off site improvements are necessary for project implementation.
Contact Information
Name
David Haas
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Job Title
Unit Forester
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Inyo
Regions
Southern California
Total Acres
87
Other Location Info
Portions of T13S, R35E, Secs, 3, 10, 11, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26; T12S, R34E, Secs 12, 13, 24; T12S, R35E, Secs 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 20 MDBM
Other Information
Northeast of Independence, California
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 § 15304 Minor Alterations to Land
Reasons for Exemption
The project meets the requirements of Class 4 Categorical Exemption (Minor alterations to land) Section 15304. Project implementation will result in alterations to the land that are best described as minor in scope, that will not significantly impact the aesthetic of the property, or biological and/or cultural resources, and that do not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees for any purpose. No exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a “Notice of Exemption” for this project. It has been concluded that no significant adverse environmental impacts would occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, populations and housing, public services, recreation, transportation and traffic, utilities and service systems, or wildfire. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the CALFIRE staff is kept on file at CAL FIRE’s San Bernardino Unit Headquarters in San Bernardino, CA.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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