Environmental Review No. 8894 – California Climate Investments Hazardous Tree Removal
Summary
SCH Number
2026050961
Public Agency
Fresno County
Document Title
Environmental Review No. 8894 – California Climate Investments Hazardous Tree Removal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/26/2026
Document Description
The proposed project will consist of the removal of hazardous dead or dying trees along Jose Basin Road and Italian Bar Road that pose a public hazard and threaten safe ingress and egress. The project is approximately 15 miles long and includes a project boundary of approximately 524.70 acres. Hazard trees will be assessed and marked by, or under the direct supervision of, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) for removal. RPFs will also run a query through the California Natural Diversity Database for the project area for rare plants and animals, if any. Biological and Botanical surveys for these species will be done in concurrence with project layout, and will be flagged and avoided, if applicable. The RPFs, with CAL FIRE’s approval, will request a records search for the known archaeological sites within and around the project area, and flag sites to be avoided, if applicable. Watercourse and wet areas will be flagged and buffered per California Forest Practice Rules with equipment limitation and exclusion zones as appropriate. When working on U.S. Forest Service land, the RPFs will work with District employees to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The project footprint includes U.S. Forest Service, private, and utilities parcels.
Contact Information
Name
Alyce Alvarez
Agency Name
Fresno County
Job Title
Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
unincorporated
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Countywide
Other Information
The project site is located in Eastern Fresno County.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(c)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is subject to a statutory exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c) (Emergency Projects) as the proposed activities involve the removal of hazardous dead and dying trees that pose a threat to public health, safety, and welfare along existing roadways used for public access and emergency ingress and egress. The project is intended to reduce wildfire hazards and minimize risks associated with tree failure within the project area.
The project is also categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(h) (Existing Facilities), which exempts the maintenance of existing landscaping, native growth, and water supply reservoirs. The proposed work consists of vegetation management and removal of hazardous trees within existing disturbed roadway corridors and does not involve the expansion of existing facilities or uses.
Further, the project includes measures to avoid impacts to biological, cultural, and water resources through preconstruction review, resource flagging, and establishment of avoidance buffers, as applicable. The project will not negatively affect scenic resources or wetland habitats (USFW), nor will it expose people or the environment to hazardous waste materials. As such, no significant adverse environmental or cumulative impacts were identified.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 (h)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is subject to a statutory exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c) (Emergency Projects) as the proposed activities involve the removal of hazardous dead and dying trees that pose a threat to public health, safety, and welfare along existing roadways used for public access and emergency ingress and egress. The project is intended to reduce wildfire hazards and minimize risks associated with tree failure within the project area.
The project is also categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(h) (Existing Facilities), which exempts the maintenance of existing landscaping, native growth, and water supply reservoirs. The proposed work consists of vegetation management and removal of hazardous trees within existing disturbed roadway corridors and does not involve the expansion of existing facilities or uses.
Further, the project includes measures to avoid impacts to biological, cultural, and water resources through preconstruction review, resource flagging, and establishment of avoidance buffers, as applicable. The project will not negatively affect scenic resources or wetland habitats (USFW), nor will it expose people or the environment to hazardous waste materials. As such, no significant adverse environmental or cumulative impacts were identified.
County Clerk
Fresno
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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