Southern Marin Zone Southern Marin Forest Health and Fuel Reduction Project
Summary
SCH Number
2024081322
Public Agency
Southern Marin Fire Protection District
(SMFD)
Document Title
Southern Marin Zone Southern Marin Forest Health and Fuel Reduction Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/30/2024
Document Description
The purpose of the proposed project would be to reduce fire-hazardous, invasive blue gum forest on a densely vegetated area that is adjacent to residential neighborhoods. While the proposed project would remove 8 eucalyptus trees, most of the trees within the fuel reduction area would remain, and habitat would be improved from removal of overly dense, non-native trees that pose a safety hazard. The proposed project would reduce wildfire intensity and rate of spread in the event of ignition. The proposed project would also maintain the safety and defensible space for nearby structures, including the Congregation Kol Shofar and residences. Removal of fire-hazardous, invasive species is intended to reduce fire hazards to adjacent communities as well as to decrease the potential for reinvasion of eucalyptus trees in the fuel reduction zone. Additionally, removing invasive, non-natives would provide an opportunity for native, less hazardous plant species to recolonize and restore these areas to a more natural habitat.
Contact Information
Name
Madison Mead
Agency Name
Southern Marin Fire District
Job Title
Vegetation Management Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Tiburon
Counties
Marin
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Other Location Info
Primarily on two parcels in the town of Tiburon owned by the Congregation Kol Shofar and Vista Tiburon homeowners association (HOA) with some smaller portions on private properties
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301, Class 1, for Existing Facilities and Section 15333, Class 33, for Small Habitat Restoration Projects
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1 for Existing Facilities and Section 15333, Class 33 for Small Habitat Restoration Projects. A Class 1 exempt project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. A Class 33 exempt project consists of projects not to exceed 5 acres in size to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of habitat for fish, plants, or wildlife. The proposed project includes vegetation treatment consisting primarily of treatment of 22 eucalyptus trees on two parcels in the town of Tiburon owned by the Congregation Kol Shofar and Vista Tiburon homeowners association with some smaller portions on private properties. Approximately 8 of the 22 eucalyptus trees would be removed, and the remaining eucalyptus trees would be limbed to reduce ladder fuels within the fuel reduction zone. The scope of the proposed project is consistent with the removal of non-native, invasive, fire-hazardous species to improve habitat conditions and reduce fire hazards within the fuel reduction zone and maintain trees and vegetation adjacent to homes to reduce public safety risks.
No work would take place within sensitive habitat, including wetlands or wetted waterways; and no ground disturbance, such as excavation, would take place. There are no facts or circumstances specific to this project that would support an exception to the categorical exemption. No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
Marin
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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