Parker Flat Cultural Management Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025080856
Public Agency
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Parker Flat Cultural Management Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/20/2025
Document Description
The project involves the designation and management of a 63-acre forest and grassland flat within the Usal Redwood Forest as a Cultural Resource Area, with an emphasis on restoration of grassland habitat and enhancement of culturally important plants through the use of prescribed cultural fire. The purpose of the project is to reduce conifer encroachment, improve the health and availability of native plant resources, enhance Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and increase fire resiliency on the site. Beneficiaries of the project include local Native communities, who will gain training, employment, and renewed cultural connections to the land; the Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc., through stewardship of its property; and the broader public through improved ecological resilience, cultural resource protection, and reduced wildfire risk.
Contact Information
Name
Doug Turk
Agency Name
Mendocino County RCD
Job Title
Forestry Program Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Karen Youngblood
Agency Name
Redwood Forest Foundation/Usal Redwood Forest Company
Job Title
Forest Conservation Specialist
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Fort Bragg
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Highway 101 and Highway 1
Zip
95460
Total Acres
63
State Highways
1
Township
24N
Range
17W
Section
6
Base
MDM
Other Location Info
USAL Redwood Forest
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the Class 4 Categorical Exemption (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15304), which covers minor alterations to land, water, and vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees. The project consists of ecological restoration and cultural resource management using prescribed fire, hand crews, and limited mechanical treatment, all of which are designed to improve habitat, reduce hazardous fuels, and enhance culturally important plants without causing significant ground disturbance or adverse environmental impacts. No rare, threatened, or endangered species were identified during biological surveys, and archaeological resources have been surveyed and will be protected. Implementation will reduce wildfire risk, enhance cultural values, and benefit the environment, thereby qualifying for exemption.
County Clerk
Mendocino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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