Prescribed Burn Project Plan
Summary
SCH Number
2022020407
Public Agency
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Document Title
Prescribed Burn Project Plan
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/17/2022
Document Description
Conduct prescribed fire operations on 481 acres of the sandhills chaparral community within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to perpetuate the unique vegetative and wildlife community found on this unusual substrate. Pre-fire treatments will include:
•Subdivision of burn plots into areas of approximately 30 acres;
•Cutting and limbing trees and shrubs less than 24-inches in diameter at breast height (DBH);
•Creation of containment lines with a minimum of 2-inches of bare mineral soil around each plot to ensure firefighter safety and successful holding operations, and to initiate burning on designated burn days; and
•A bulldozer and excavator to crush vegetation material and relocate heavy fuels for safety and ease of burning. Heavy equipment will not be used to disturb soil or create containment lines.
Firefighters will conduct ignition operations from containment lines during designated burn days. All operations will be conducted under management of a California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Burn Boss. Burn prescription aims to kill 95% of above ground shrub cover, reduce duff and litter cover by 90%, reduce 10-hour fuels by 80-100%, avoid all ground disturbing activities within the plots, and minimize risk of escaped fire.
Smoke effects will be managed based on burn day smoke dispersion and adhere to all required permitting. All work will be done in conjunction with DPR Environmental Scientists and include avoidance and minimization measures.
Contact Information
Name
Linda Hitchcock
Agency Name
Department of Parks and Recreation
Job Title
Senior Park and Recreation Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
unincorporated area
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Unincorporated
Total Acres
481
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
Project consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation included as “prescribed burns to restore native vegetation, reduce fuel loads, and control invasive exotic or alien species” and “resource management projects” in the Department of Parks and Recreation’s list of exempt activities in accordance with CCR§15300.4.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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