Lone Pine Fuel Reduction
Summary
SCH Number
2022020338
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Lone Pine Fuel Reduction
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/15/2022
Document Description
This project is located across several project units directly adjacent to the town of Lone Pine, CA. Project units total 46 acres of publicly owned land. Ground cover types within the project units consist primarily of disturbed and intact native habitat types, including dense riparian habitat, alkali meadow, and sage/alkali scrub. The goal of this project is to reduce wildfire risk to the town of Lone Pine, CA and the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation. Prescriptions will vary within each unit and will include a combination of the following: removal of invasive tree species, including stump application of herbicide to reduce stump resprouting; thinning of native trees 12” diameter at breast height (DBH) and less to an average spacing of 20 feet between trunks; removal of dead and dying trees and other downed and dead woody material under 16” DBH; up to 85% removal of ground cover, treated in a mosaic pattern, leaving vegetation islands of various sizes and shapes intact to maintain a natural appearance and retain habitat function. Where the project footprint occurs immediately in or adjacent to watercourses and associated riparian habitat, a buffer of approximately 6’-10’, or one mature upland shrub width, will be maintained to avoid any impacts to riparian habitat or the bed, bank, or channel of the watercourse. CAL FIRE has collaborated with both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to ensure the design of the project protects water resources and wildlife habitat, while addressing fire behavior and public safety; all watercourses and associated riparian resources within and adjacent to the project footprint will be avoided. Avoidance measures and best management practices have been included to ensure no significant, substantial impacts occur to water resources or wildlife habitat. Project implementation is expected to begin Spring 2022. Project activities are expected to occur outside of nesting bird season, September 15-March 15, to the extent possible. Work may be done during nesting bird season if nesting surveys are performed prior to commencement of operations. Equipment necessary for project implementation includes chainsaws, hand tools, and a chipper. Maintenance will occur as necessary to maintain the standards listed above and may occur as frequently as an annual basis. Maintenance needs will be determined and implemented by CAL FIRE.
Contact Information
Name
Carol Snow
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Inyo
Regions
Countywide
Total Acres
46
Other Location Info
Portions of T15S R36E Sec 21, 22 & 27 MDBM
Other Information
Adjacent to the town of Lone Pine, CA
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 § 15304 Minor Alterations to Land
Reasons for Exemption
The project meets the requirements of Class 4 Categorical Exemption (Minor alterations to land) Section 15304. Project implementation will result in alterations to the land that are best described as minor in scope, that will not significantly impact the aesthetic of the property, or biological and/or cultural resources, and that do not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees for any purpose. No exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a “Notice of Exemption” for this project. It has been concluded that no significant adverse environmental impacts would occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, populations and housing, public services, recreation, transportation and traffic, utilities and service systems, or wildfire. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the CALFIRE staff is kept on file at CAL FIRE’s San Bernardino Unit Headquarters in San Bernardino, CA.