Environmental Review No. 8976 – California Climate Investments Hazardous Tree Removal
Summary
SCH Number
2026090237
Public Agency
Fresno County
Document Title
Environmental Review No. 8976 – California Climate Investments Hazardous Tree Removal
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/4/2026
Document Description
The proposed project will consist of the removal of hazardous dead, dying, or diseased trees along Huntington Lake Road, Camp Sierra Road, Huntington Lodge Road, and within communities in Zone 10 (see attached map) that pose a public hazard, threaten safe ingress and egress, or threaten habitable structures. The project is approximately 19 miles long and includes a project boundary of approximately 470 acres. Standing dead hazard trees will be assessed and marked by, or under the direct supervision of, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) for removal. Watercourse and wet areas will be flagged and buffered per California Forest Practice Rules with equipment limitation and exclusion zones as appropriate. The project footprint includes U.S. Forest Service and utilities parcels. While working on U.S. Forest Service land, County staff and RPFs will work directly with District employees to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Contact Information
Name
Katie Bolton
Agency Name
Fresno County
Job Title
Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, Fresno, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Mendota, near Huntington Lake, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, San Joaquin, Sanger, Selma
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Countywide, Northern California
Other Location Info
The project site is located in Eastern Fresno County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4)
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.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15301(h)
Reasons for Exemption
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, 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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