Big Springs Ranch Wildlife Area Fuel Reduction Project

The Big Springs Ranch Wildlife Area Fuel Reduction Project is a forecast initiative led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 1, to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires in Siskiyou County. The project encompasses approximately 6,300 total acres, consisting of roughly 700 acres of mechanical fuels reduction through thinning and mastication, and approximately 5,600 acres dedicated to prescriptive or cultural burning. Additionally, the scope includes the creation of fire containment lines to ensure effective wildfire management. The project is managed by Environmental Scientist Teresa Spade and is supported by a Notice of Exemption filed on September 10, 2026. This exemption identifies the project as falling under categorical exemptions 15304 and 15308, asserting that the fuel reduction activities will not lead to environmental degradation or the taking of endangered species. The performance of these activities is centered in California, specifically within the 96064 zip code area.