Caltrans District 4 Vegetation Management Program Corridor -Contract 3 Wildfire Adaptation Fuel Reduction Vegetation and Tree

The Caltrans District 4 Vegetation Management Program Corridor Contract 3 is a wildfire adaptation and fuel reduction project covering approximately 1,697.34 acres across 27 locations within eight Bay Area counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and San Mateo. The primary objective is to reduce wildfire ignition risks and establish shaded fuel breaks to ensure the State Highway System remains accessible for the public and emergency first-responders during wildfire events. Work involves the removal of invasive species and dead, dying, or diseased vegetation, the reduction of ladder fuels in native shrublands, and the clearing of vegetation to bare soil within 10 feet of the edge of pavement. Tree management focuses on removing trees less than 10 inches DBH, while larger trees are prioritized for preservation. These activities will be executed using manual, mechanical, and herbicide treatments under the direction of licensed professionals. The project operates under a statutory CEQA exemption based on Governor Newsom's wildfire State of Emergency Proclamation and must adhere to the Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan. On-the-ground activities are required to commence by October 15, 2026, with a performance duration of up to two years. All work must be overseen by a qualified responsible party, such as a Registered Professional Forester or certified arborist. Compliance will be monitored through on-site inspections by various state agencies, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the State Water Board. The project is managed by Caltrans District 4, with key administration provided by Aaron Francis and Sheryl Sablan.