Dogbane Preserve Ecological Enhancement and Fuel Reduction
Summary
SCH Number
2024040139
Public Agency
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Document Title
Dogbane Preserve Ecological Enhancement and Fuel Reduction
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/3/2024
Document Description
The Dogbane Preserve occupies 3 acres and is dedicated to the protection of a high-quality stand of dogbane, a plant used by Indigenous people for cordage. Most of the Preserve is undeveloped oak woodland with an understory composed of dogbane, Baccharis, and other shrubs and forbs. Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (Ag + Open Space) is planning to burn existing piles of previously thinned vegetation, including shrubs and trees, that were damaged or killed by previous wildfire to promote the health of dogbane and for fuel reduction. Ag + Open Space will conduct associated minor vegetation clearing using hand tools. A vehicle with a watertank will be staged on the grasslands near the Preserve entrance for back-up water supply.
Contact Information
Name
Leslie Lew
Agency Name
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Job Title
Natural Resources Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
unincorporated area
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Zip
95403
Total Acres
3
Parcel #
058-040-051
State Highways
CA 101
Other Location Info
4219 Alba Lane, Santa Rosa, CA
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land)
Reasons for Exemption
The project falls under Categorical Exemption Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304). This exemption applies to projects that are minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. The project entails minor alteration of vegetation on public land owned by the Ag + Open Space to promote the health of dogbane and for wildfire fuel reduction through burning existing piles consisting of previously thinned vegetation and minor vegetation clearing using hand tools. Field review by Ag and Open Space staff confirmed that no exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. The project will not result in the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees and will not result in cumulative impacts or significant effects to scenic or historical resources. The project area is not located on a site that is included on the lists compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code or within any wetland, officially designated scenic area, or officially mapped area of severe geologic hazard.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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