Roadside Fuels Reduction in Tree Stand Along Highway 16 at County Rd 42
Summary
SCH Number
2025100068
Public Agency
Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Roadside Fuels Reduction in Tree Stand Along Highway 16 at County Rd 42
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/1/2025
Document Description
This fuels reduction project is part of a series of roadside vegetation reduction projects throughout the Ca pay Valley to protect Highway 16 as an evacuation route and access point during wildfire events. The project consists of mechanical handwork
(chainsaws and loppers) and chipping in a roadside section of overgrown vegetation primarily consisting of mature non-native cypress trees. In subsequent years, maintenance at the site may occur. The project footprint is approximately 0.25 acres along Highway 16 across two parcels of .private property. Overgrown vegetation too close to the highway poses a risk to the town of Rumsey and the larger Ca pay
Valley region, as overgrown vegetation can burn and fall into the roadway limiting access or evacuation. Reducing fuels in project footprint along the highway will reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfire. Thinning and reducing ladder fuels along this section of Highway 16 will be performed by a licensed contractor with biological and botanical monitoring conducted by Yolo County Resource Conservation
District. Felling of trees will be limited to trees smaller than twelve (12) inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). There are native valley oaks on site that will be left in place. Stumps of cut trees will remain in the ground to minimize soil disturbance. The project entails mechanical thinning of roadside vegetation of non-native highly flammable vegetation. Mechanical treatments can benefit ecosystems
by reducing the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires, maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems, and protecting human communities.
A Qualified Biologist with experience in conducting planning-level and species-specific surveys in the area, conducted a biological reconnaissance survey at the project site. Based on the results of the biological survey of both units, the project has been designed so it will not cause significant adverse impact to special status species with likelihood to occur near the project site.
Work may occur during nesting bird season. If work commences during nesting bird season (February 1st to September 15th) the project area will be surveyed for nesting birds by a qualified biologist, no more than one week before operations. If nesting birds are located, the RCD will develop measures that avoid impacts and are consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Contact Information
Name
Heather Nichols
Agency Name
Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Guinda
Counties
Yolo
Regions
Unincorporated
Parcel #
060220041000, 060220038000
Other Location Info
4050 Highway 16 and 4160 Highway 16
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 § 15304 Minor Alteration of Land
Reasons for Exemption
The project is not expected to cause ground disturbance and will occur
in a eucalyptus grove, a highly modified, non-native habitat that serves little to no habitat value for special status plants or animals in the region. Work is expected to be performed by a qualified contractor and/or CAL FIRE hand crews with biological and botanical monitoring conducted by Yolo County Resource Conservation District staff. The project will not impact large trees and will benefit habitat by decreasing likelihood of catastrophic fire and thinning understory vegetation which will decrease pressure from invasive weeds on native plant understory.
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, or utilities and service systems.
County Clerk
Yolo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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