Gates Road Saw training
Summary
SCH Number
2026010565
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Gates Road Saw training
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/20/2026
Document Description
CAL FIRE’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit is partnering with a private landowner east of Calistoga to convert approximately 300 acres of forest affected by recent wildfires, drought stress, and beetle kill into a recurring chainsaw training site. Beginning in 2025, CAL FIRE personnel will conduct supervised felling, limbing, and bucking of dead and dying trees during spring and fall training sessions. The project will be implemented in phases over multiple years, progressively reducing hazardous fuels and safety risks while providing realistic, hands-on training that prepares firefighters for active wildfire operations. Treated material will be lopped and scattered, removed, or utilized as firewood based on landowner preference. The project area consists of mixed conifer and hardwood forest dominated by Douglas-fir and redwood, with oak species present, and is characterized by widespread tree mortality and declining forest health. Project benefits include improved firefighter readiness, reduced wildfire risk, enhanced access, and a more resilient landscape.
Contact Information
Name
Ian Hosbein
Agency Name
CAL FIRE
Job Title
Forestry Assistant II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Total Acres
300
Township
8N
Range
07E
Section
14,15,
Other Location Info
near Calistoga
Other Information
also portions of section 22
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4/15304 Minor Alterations to Land
Reasons for Exemption
This project fits under the description for a Class 4 Categorical Exemption “Minor Alterations to Land” (Section 15304, Public Resources Code) as the proposed project activities involve the removal of dead/dying trees. CAL FIRE staff conducted an environmental review to confirm that no exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. This review included on-the-ground field inspection by the Unit Environmental Scientist, certified archeological surveyor, and email correspondence with representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The Department has concluded that no significant environmental impact would occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forestland/timberland, 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, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation/traffic, or to utilities and service systems, wildfire, or energy. No exceptions apply (Section 15300.2) which would preclude the use of a Notice of Exemption for this project. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the Department is kept on file at 1199 Big Tree rd. St Helena, CA 94574.