Sequoia Wildfire Reforestation & Recovery Project: MHDSF Castle Fire Reforestation
Summary
SCH Number
2024040627
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Sequoia Wildfire Reforestation & Recovery Project: MHDSF Castle Fire Reforestation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/15/2024
Document Description
CAL FIRE Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest plans to expedite restoration measures in high severity burn areas across approximately 1,500 acres of state managed timberland. This project will focus on site preparation work which will be accomplished with herbicide, for future tree planting operations as well as release treatments in previously planted areas. In addition to the short-term benefits of reforesting and restoring the severely burned areas of Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest due to the Castle Fire (SQF Complex), this project will also increase the capacity for carbon sequestration, improve the ability of watersheds to regulate surface runoff, stabilize slopes, and restore a young forest for species that rely on forest-based habitats.
Contact Information
Name
Shannon Johnson
Agency Name
California Department of Foresty and Fire Protection
Job Title
Staff Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Tulare
Regions
Countywide
Total Acres
1500
Other Location Info
Portions of T19S R30E Sec 24-26 & 34-36; T19S R31E Sec 18-21 & 28-31; T20S R30E Sec 01,02 & 12; T20S R31E Sec 06, MDBM
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Declared Emergency
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a)
Reasons for Exemption
According to CEQA Section 21080(b)(3) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a), a project is exempt from CEQA when it “maintain[s], repair[s], restore[s]…property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster stricken area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act, commencing with Section 8550 of the Government Code.” This project will restore landscapes to forests, allow for greater carbon sequestration by establishing native conifer species, restore lost timber, and restore forested habitat destroyed by the Castle Fire. The action is exempt from CEQA because it will restore property damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster for which a state of emergency was proclaimed.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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