Branching Out: Enhancing Equity, Engagement, and Resilience
Summary
SCH Number
2025110512
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Branching Out: Enhancing Equity, Engagement, and Resilience
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/13/2025
Document Description
The Branching Out project will plant 1,300 15-gallon trees, expected to reach 40–100 feet in height. Planting includes 3x3-foot holes, site preparation, removal of dead trees, and installation of irrigation as needed. Various tools and equipment will be used based on site conditions, and soil enhancements and tree donuts will support establishment. City staff will provide ongoing maintenance, including regular
inspections, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. To reduce environmental impact—particularly fertilizer runoff into the Tuolumne River—applications are carefully timed, and soil-injection methods are used for aphid control.
Contact Information
Name
Walter Passmore
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Job Title
State
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
Ceres
Counties
Stanislaus
Regions
Citywide, Countywide, Statewide
Other Location Info
City of Ceres
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 Categorical Exemption Section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
This 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. It has been concluded that no
exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. The Department has concluded that no significant adverse environmental impacts will occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, air quality, biological
resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use planning, mineral resources, noise, populations and housing, public services, recreation, transportation
and traffic, utilities and service systems, or wildfire risk. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the Department is kept on file at CAL FIRE’s Headquarters in Sacramento.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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