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 project focused on fuel reduction and vegetation removal across approximately 1,697.34 acres at 27 locations within the State Highway System in 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 consistent access for emergency first responders and the public during wildfire events. The scope of work includes clearing vegetation within 10 feet of the edge of pavement to bare soil, removing invasive and diseased vegetation, reducing ladder fuels in native shrublands, and managing trees by removing those under 10 inches DBH while prioritizing the preservation of larger trees. 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, and should be completed within two years. Work must be performed by qualified responsible parties, such as registered professional foresters or certified arborists, and is subject to on-site inspections by various state agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and CAL FIRE. Key administrative requirements include the submission of a Notice of Commencement prior to starting work and a Notice of Completion within 30 days of project conclusion.