Environmental Review No. 8980 - California Climate Investments-Shaded Fuel Breaks
Summary
SCH Number
2026090944
Public Agency
Fresno County
Document Title
Environmental Review No. 8980 - California Climate Investments-Shaded Fuel Breaks
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/22/2026
Document Description
The proposed project consists of establishing two shaded fuel breaks along Auberry Road and Peterson Road in eastern Fresno County. The Auberry Road Shaded Fuel Break totals approximately 315 acres, and the Peterson Road Shaded Fuel Break totals approximately 234 acres (see attached map). Vegetation treatment will generally occur within 200 feet of each road centerline, creating a 400-foot-wide gap in fuel continuity. Standing dead trees will be assessed and marked by, or under the direct supervision of, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) for removal and disposal. Smaller-diameter trees and slash may be chipped and broadcast on-site to a depth not exceeding six inches, masticated on-site, or hauled off-site for legal disposal. Woody brush will be removed to reduce horizontal and vertical fuel continuity. Targeted herbicide may be used for long-term maintenance and prevention of ladder-fuel regrowth in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and label requirements. A licensed Pest Control Advisor will recommend the appropriate herbicide, and a contractor holding a Qualified Applicator License will apply the material. Selective retention and spacing of sprouting hardwoods and seedlings and saplings of mortality-impacted species, including ponderosa pine and sugar pine, will promote canopy shade, with treatment targeting an average crown spacing of at least 20 feet. RPFs will prepare detailed treatment plans, layout design, and silvicultural prescriptions. Watercourses and wet areas will be flagged and buffered in accordance with California Forest Practice Rules, with equipment limitation and exclusion zones established as appropriate. The project is intended to reduce community wildfire hazards and promote a healthier forest landscape. Funding is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program.
Contact Information
Name
Alyce Alvarez
Agency Name
Fresno County
Job Title
Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, Fresno, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Mendota, 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
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c), Emergency Projects
Reasons for Exemption
The project is statutorily exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(c) (Emergency Projects) because the proposed shaded fuel breaks constitute specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency associated with hazardous dead or dying trees, excessive fuel loads, and continuous woody vegetation along Auberry Road and Peterson Road. Treatment will include assessment and marking of standing dead trees by, or under the direct supervision of, a Registered Professional Forester; removal of woody brush and ladder fuels; chipping, mastication, or lawful off-site disposal of treated material; and targeted herbicide application by a qualified applicator to limit ladder-fuel regrowth. Selective retention and spacing of sprouting hardwoods and certain seedlings and saplings will preserve shading while reducing horizontal and vertical fuel continuity. These treatments will reduce wildfire hazards and risks associated with hazardous tree failure along existing road corridors and near surrounding communities, thereby protecting public health, safety, and welfare and promoting a healthier forest landscape.
The project will include measures to avoid impacts to watercourses and wet areas through resource flagging, buffers, and equipment limitation or exclusion zones, as appropriate. The project will not negatively affect scenic resources or wetland habitats or expose people or the environment to hazardous waste materials. No significant adverse environmental or cumulative impacts were identified.
County Clerk
Fresno
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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