North Bay Forest Improvement Program - Sherwood Forest
Summary
SCH Number
2023050039
Public Agency
Sonoma Resource Conservation District
Document Title
North Bay Forest Improvement Program - Sherwood Forest
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/2/2023
Document Description
This document is a Notice of Exemption for the North Bay Forest Improvement Program, which is a cost-share program that provides landowners with the opportunity to reduce fire risk and improve forest health. Treatments on this property include cutting 100-300 trees per acre ranging 4-8” DBH that will be spaced at least 14 feet from each other, unless within a coppiced group of trees. Some trees larger than 12”DBH may be treated, but these trees shall be limited to those determined to be dying or an imminent hazard. Light hand treatments will accompany these cuts, targeting the early onset of undesirable brush and woody species that compete with desirable plants, as well as ladder fuels. Slash generated from the thinnings will be piled to disconnect ground fuels and reduce the continuity of fire if and when it enters the stand. Furthermore, reforestation efforts will include the installation of cages to protect naturally occurring seedlings to support the regeneration of desirable species, like oaks. Finally, 100 to 150 trees per acre will be pruned at least 8 feet off the ground to reduce vertical continuity of fuels and improve wood quality of future crop trees. Operational limitations for watercourses shall include a no operation buffer without clearance from a qualified Registered Professional Forester or qualified biologist determining non-presence of species listed under the Federal or State Endangered Species Act.
Contact Information
Name
Genevieve Tarino
Agency Name
Sonoma Resource Conservation District
Job Title
Forestry Technician
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
3000 Sweetwater Springs Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304 Minor Alteration to Land
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt because the planned activities meet the definition of “forestry” in PRC§753, and have been reviewed and approved by a Registered Professional Forester in consultation with experts from other pertinent fields who have attested that the activities proposed in this project will only have the potential for at most impacts that are less than significant to the environment, having provided adequate measures for avoidance of sensitive environmental resources. Project activities will not involve the removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees, and will not result in a substantial alteration of the current function of the land. Project specific analysis is on file at the RCD.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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