North Bay Forest Improvement Program - Tony Marks-Block Hedge Trust
Summary
SCH Number
2026050406
Public Agency
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
North Bay Forest Improvement Program - Tony Marks-Block Hedge Trust
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/11/2026
Document Description
Approximately 19 acres will be treated. The project consists of hand thinning and follow up slash treatment within Treatment Units 1 through 4 to reduce hazardous fuels, decrease ladder fuels, and improve forest health. Treatments in Units 1 through 3 will primarily follow NBFIP Timber Stand Improvement Scenario #2, with most removals focused on small diameter and pole sized trees up to 8 inches DBH. Where needed to achieve treatment objectives, selected trees up to approximately 12 inches DBH may also be removed to reduce overstocking, improve spacing, release healthy residual trees, and reduce ladder fuels. Unit 4 will receive light hand treatment only to selectively reduce small diameter ladder fuels in the riparian corridor while protecting riparian function and other sensitive resources. limited field adjustments may be made by the Registered Professional Forester to account for actual stand conditions, so long as treatment remains consistent with NBFIP intent, fuels reduction objectives, and protection of site resources. Project generated slash will be piled and burned or otherwise treated in a manner consistent with program requirements. The purpose of the project is to reduce wildfire hazard and promote a more resilient and maintainable forest condition. The beneficiaries of the project are the landowner, surrounding properties, and the public through reduced fire risk and improved forest condition.
Contact Information
Name
Ned Formaker
Agency Name
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
Job Title
Forestry Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Name
Tony Marks-Block
Agency Name
The Landowner
Job Title
The Landowner
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Branscomb
Counties
Mendocino
Regions
Northern California
Parcel #
013-380-57; 013-380-58
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations; Title 14; Section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project qualifies for a Class 4 Categorical Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15304, Minor Alterations to Land. The exemption applies to fuel management and forest improvement activities involving selective removal of vegetation where the work does not result in a substantial alteration of land use. Treatments will consist primarily of selective hand thinning and follow up slash treatment to reduce hazardous surface and ladder fuels, improve spacing among residual trees, and promote forest health and stand resilience. Slash will be piled for burning or otherwise treated to reduce fuel continuity, consistent with project objectives and protection of site resources. The project will retain the overall forested character and ecological function of the site. Project specific documentation supporting the use of this exemption is on file at the RCD.
County Clerk
Mendocino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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