Thomson Truck Trail
Summary
SCH Number
2026021023
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Thomson Truck Trail
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/26/2026
Document Description
This project involves recurring maintenance and repair of the Thompson Valley Truck trail which travels generally north to south through the Gabilan Mountain Range starting in the north from San Juan Canyon Road to the southern end of the route which ends at Limekiln Road. The Thompson Truck Trail is 16 miles long and the project will cover approximately 78 acres. The purpose of the project is to maintain and improve emergency vehicle access in the area in the event of a wildfire or other emergency. Road maintenance activities will include grading the existing road surface as well as manual and mechanical vegetation removal within 20 feet of the road. Manual vegetation removal will include the use of hand tools and chainsaws to prune limbs, bushes and trees to accommodate fire engine access. Mechanical treatments will include the use of an excavator with a masticating head as well as a tow-behind or tracked chipper. Heavy equipment will be limited to the existing road surface. Trees greater than 12” dbh will not be removed unless they are clearly dead or dying all remaining trees near the road will be pruned up to 16 feet or 50% of the live crown.
Contact Information
Name
Tim Montgomery
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Job Title
Unit Forester
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Salinas
Counties
Monterey, San Benito
Regions
Southern California
Total Acres
78
Other Location Info
T13S, R4E, Sec 36
T14S, R4E, Sec 1
T14S, R5E, Sec 6, 7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35
T14S, R6E, Sec 30; MDBM
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 portions of 14 CCR §15304 Minor Alterations to Land. After collaborating with the California Geological Survey, the Regional Water Resources Control Board, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, conducting archaeological and biological research and implementing archeological and biological surveys, the Department has determined this project will have no significant impact on the environment.
Field review by CAL FIRE staff confirmed that no exceptions apply that would preclude the use of a notice of exemption for this project. The Department has concluded that no significant environmental impact would occur to aesthetics, agriculture and forestland/timberland, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, 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/ traffic, utilities and service systems, or to wildfire. Documentation of the environmental review completed by the Department is kept on file at the address above.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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