Buck Gully Reserve Hazardous Fuel Thinning and Reduction Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025120582
Public Agency
City of Newport Beach
Document Title
Buck Gully Reserve Hazardous Fuel Thinning and Reduction Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/12/2025
Document Description
The project proposes hazardous fuel reduction activities in and around the Buck Gully Reserve. Anticipated activities include the thinning and trimming of brush and shrubs; thinning and limbing of trees; canopy reduction; removal of dead and dying vegetation, shrubs, and trees; and recycling and removal of all biomass from the project site. The thinning, limbing, and canopy reduction of trees would meet the specific tree canopy spacing requirements outlined in Newport Beach Fire Department (NBFD) Fire Guideline G.01. Only hand tools and chainsaws would be utilized, and no ground disturbance activities (i.e., grading) would occur. Where needed, vegetation removal would be flush cut to the ground to maintain soil stability. Overall, the proposed fuel modification activities would bring the non-compliant hazard reduction zone into compliance with NBFD Fire Guideline G.01. The project also includes a robust educational component to keep residents informed about the purpose and outcomes of the project, and to encourage residents to implement risk mitigation activities.
Contact Information
Name
James Gillespie
Agency Name
City of Newport Beach
Job Title
Fire Marshal
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Newport Beach
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
San Joaquin Hills Road and Spy Glass Hill Road
Zip
92657
Total Acres
15.21
Parcel #
Multiple
State Highways
SR-73, SR-1
Railways
None
Airports
None
Schools
Multiple
Waterways
Pacific Ocean
Township
6S
Range
9W
Section
31
Base
San Bern
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15304(i)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed fuel management activities meet CEQA Guidelines Section 15304(i) in that the project consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation. Specifically, the project involves fuel management activities within 100 feet of structures to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation and would not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters. Further, none of the exceptions to exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the project.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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