Sunset Campus Edge Landscape Study
Summary
SCH Number
2023030550
Public Agency
University of California, Los Angeles
Document Title
Sunset Campus Edge Landscape Study
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/21/2023
Document Description
The project consists of the emergency removal of approximately 90 eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) trees following three tree failures in January and February 2023 and subsequent evaluations identifying poor tree health. Recent arborist inspections have identified decay within structural roots and tree heartwood, fungal infection, buried root flares/root collars, poor crown growth, and compromised wood strength. Given these conditions and ongoing rains causing saturated soil conditions, and in light of the high levels of pedestrian use and vehicular traffic on the adjacent sports fields and Sunset Boulevard, respectively, immediate removal of the eucalyptus trees in this area is proposed in order to protect public safety and prevent further property damage. The area will be re-landscaped based on guidance from the 2022 UCLA Landscape Plan and will include tree replacements at a minimum 1:1 ratio. Based on evidence in the record, the proposed tree removals are determined to constitute a specific action necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency as defined in PRC Section 21080(b)(4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c) and are therefore statutorily exempt from CEQA requirements.
Contact Information
Name
Ashley Rogers
Agency Name
University of California, Los Angeles
Job Title
Assistant Director, Environmental Planning
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Charles E. Young Drive North and Westwood Plaza
Zip
90095
State Highways
I-405
Schools
UCLA
Township
1S
Range
15W
Other Location Info
Northern edge of UCLA campus, between Sunset Boulevard and Charles E. Young Drive North, west of Westwood Plaza
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(c)
Reasons for Exemption
In January and February 2023, three large eucalyptus trees located on the UCLA campus fell during heavy rains and required immediate removal. Subsequent arborist inspections, including visual assessments, fungal sampling, and sonic tomography have identified poor tree heath, specifically decay within structural roots and tree heartwood, fungal infection, buried root flares/root collars, poor crown growth, and compromised wood strength. Based on the professional arborists' recommendations, removal is proposed as the primary course of action to prevent additional tree failures among a series of diseased trees, particularly in light of continued storm conditions and resulting saturated soils. Given the location of the remaining trees adjacent to several campus sports fields regularly utilized by students and Sunset Boulevard, which experiences high and congested levels of vehicular traffic, emergency removal of a total of up to 90 eucalyptus trees is proposed to avoid or mitigate an immediate threat of further property damage, to protect public safety, and to prevent the potential loss of human life. The determination that the project is statutorily exempt is based upon evidence contained in the record.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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