Saratoga Springs Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project
Summary
SCH Number
2022020517
Public Agency
Lake County
Document Title
Saratoga Springs Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/23/2022
Document Description
This project is being funded by a CAL FIRE, Forest Health Grant utilizing funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The project proposes to remove hazardous vegetation in CAL FIRE’s highest priority areas in Lake County, where Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fuel loads have created dangerous conditions and increased risk of catastrophic wildfire. Some of the identified fuel loads are a result of previous catastrophic wildfires; the Valley Fire (Sept. 2015) and the Mendocino Complex Fire (July 2018).
The project area was partially burned by the Mendocino Complex Fire, and dead vegetation
that remains after the fire could act as hazard fuel in future fires. The purpose of the project is
to reduce fuel loads to lessen wildfire risk in priority areas that protect structures, enhance
security along evacuation routes, provide improved opportunity and safety for fire suppression,
and improve overall forest resilience to wildfire and pests, which are increasingly threatening
due to drought and other effects related to climate change. The work will be entirely carried
out by hand. Some material will be chipped on established roads and broadcast.
Fuel reduction activities will avoid:
? Sensitive habitat, including riparian areas or wetlands.
? Cultural and historic sites.
? Disturbance to individual specimens of rare, threatened, or endangered species.
? Ground disturbance that could result in sediment delivery to watercourses.
Contact Information
Name
Sateur Ham
Agency Name
Lake County Community Development Department
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Lakeport
Counties
Lake
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Saratoga Springs
Zip
95485
Total Acres
24.75
Parcel #
003-013-01 & 003-027-01
Other Location Info
10243 & 9943 Saratoga Springs Rd
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
This fuel reduction project focuses on management of the excessive fuel loads around the Wildland Urban Interface in Lake County. It is directly related to several catastrophic wildfires that the County has endured, two of which were declared emergencies. The Valley Fire was declared an emergency on September 13, 2015 and The Mendocino Complex was declared an emergency on July 28, 2018.
Additionally, the existing and prolonged drought conditions in the State are contributing to the increased risk of catastrophic stand-replacing wildfire and increased risk of loss of life and property. Several Proclamations of State of Emergency related to extreme DROUGHT conditions and increased risk of catastrophic wildfire have been issued by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The project meets the criteria for emergency exemptions because it will maintain and repair property damaged by wildfire, protect public facilities essential to public health and safety, and will prevent or mitigate future and imminent wildfire emergencies. The Lake County Community Development Department finds that this project complies with the intent and overall direction of the State Proclamations of Emergency and is thereby exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
County Clerk
Lake
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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