Roadside Tree Stand Thinning-Rumsey
Summary
SCH Number
2026090361
Public Agency
Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Roadside Tree Stand Thinning-Rumsey
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/9/2026
Document Description
This fuels reduction project is part of a series of roadside vegetation reduction projects throughout the Ca pay Valley to protect Highway 16 as an evacuation route and access point during wildfire events. The project consists of mechanical handwork
(chainsaws and loppers) and chipping in a roadside section of overgrown vegetation primarily consisting of mature non-native cypress trees. The project footprint is approximately 1.25 acres, or about half a mile along Highway 16 under the PG&E powerlines. Vegetation in the project footprint consists of nonnative cypress trees that have been topped by PG&E to prevent treetops from brushing against powerlines. Topping has caused the trees to degrade or die, making them significant fire hazard risks along Highway 16 and a potential ignition source for wildfire from passing cars.
Overgrown vegetation too close to the highway poses a risk to the towns of Guinda/Rumsey and the larger Capay Valley region, as overgrown vegetation can burn and fall into the roadway limiting access or evacuation. Reducing fuels in project footprint along the highway will reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfire and protect a vital evacuation route. Thinning and reducing ladder fuels along this
section of Highway 16 will be performed by a licensed contractor or conservation corps crews, with biological and botanical monitoring conducted by Yolo County Resource Conservation District. In subsequent years, activities may occur to maintain the fuel break and ensure long-term management objectives are met.(DBH). There are native valley oaks on site that will be left in place. Stumps of cut trees will remain in the ground to minimize soil disturbance. The project entails mechanical thinning of roadside vegetation of non-native highly flammable vegetation. Mechanical treatments can benefit ecosystems by reducing the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires, maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems, and protecting human communities.
An RCD Qualified Biologist conducted biological and botanical surveys at the project site. Based on the results of the biological survey of both units, the project has been designed so it will not cause significant adverse impact to special status species that may occur near the project site.
If work commences during nesting bird season (February 1st to September 15th) the project area will be surveyed for nesting birds by a qualified biologist, no more than one week before operations. If nesting birds are located, the RCD will develop measures that avoid impacts and are consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Contact Information
Name
Heather Nichols
Agency Name
Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Anthony Rocha
Agency Name
CAL FIRE
Job Title
Captain
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Rumsey, CA
Counties
Yolo
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
State Highways
16
Other Location Info
Post Mile 7.7 to 8.3
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 § 15304 Minor Alteration of Land
Reasons for Exemption
The project is not expected to cause ground disturbance and will occur
in a roadside line of predominantly non-native trees. These trees are non-native habitat that serves little to no habitat value for special status plants or animals in the region. Work is expected to be performed by a qualified contractor and/or CAL FIRE hand crews with biological and botanical monitoring conducted by Yolo County Resource Conservation District staff. The project will not impact large trees
and will benefit habitat by decreasing likelihood of catastrophic fire and thinning understory vegetation which will decrease pressure from invasive weeds on native plant understory.
The project meets the requirements of Class 4 Categorical Exemption (minor alterations to land) Section 15304. Project implementation will result in alterations to the land that are best described as minor in scope, that will not significantly impact the aesthetic of the property, or biological and/or cultural resources, and that do not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees for any purpose. No exceptions apply which would preclude the use of a "Notice of Exemption" for this project. It has been concluded that no significant adverse environmental impacts would occur to
aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, populations and housing, public services, recreation, transportation and traffic, or utilities and service systems.
County Clerk
Yolo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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