Attention Homeowners in Tract 3461

We are continuing to make progress on our Fuel Reduction Grant Project, and want to enlist the cooperation of homeowners in the project area to remove dead, dying, and diseased trees at no cost to them. With over $1million in grant funding available, we can address most properties needing tree removal. The initial project area is all properties within Tract 3461.

Please contact the CSD project Forester if you have property within Tract 3461 and wish to be considered for having their dead trees removed:

Tim Morin, Forester
909-332-0534
tim.morin@davey.com

To enable cost-effective use of the grant money, there will be a priority system to make the most efficient use of time and machinery. Larger parcels and groups of smaller parcels located adjacent to each other will have priority over small, remote parcels. The number of trees to be removed from a parcel will also be factored into the project planning. Properties with fewer trees per acre (TPA) will have a lower priority than properties with more TPA.

Project Steps or Phases

Step 1: A Registered Professional Forester (RPF) will perform a visual inspection of the project area to determine priority areas for tree removal.

Step 2: The CSD will be contacting affected property owners to solicit their participation. Property owners will need to sign waivers and grant access to the logging company.

Step 3: The RPF will perform an Archaeological Records Check and Survey to identify and protect any cultural resource sites. If any new sites are discovered during the project, they will be protected and reported to the state.

Step 4:  Biological Review. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) will be reviewed for threatened and endangered plants and animals within Bear Valley. The project site will be inspected to identify any protected species. Trees that are identified as habitats/nesting sites will not be removed.

Step 5: Project boundaries will be flagged and dead and down trees will be identified for removal. Ideally, with the cooperation of property owners, the project can be organized into connected parcels to minimize the need to move heavy equipment from site to site.

Step 6: The CalFIRE Drought Mortality Timber Harvest Plan Exemption (CEQA compliance) will be submitted.

Step 7: Upon approval of the CEQA compliance, a licensed Timber Operator hired by the CSD will remove the identified trees.

Step 8: Removal and disposal of trees and slash by truck is planned.  A vast majority of these dead trees are so decayed that they have no market value. Alternative disposal methods will be explored.

The Bear Valley Springs Fuels Reduction Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.