City of San Clemente Open Space Wildfire and Vegetation Management - Hazardous Fuel Reduction

The City of San Clemente is implementing the Open Space Wildfire and Vegetation Management - Hazardous Fuel Reduction project as part of its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The primary objective is to reduce fuel loads and create fire-resilient open spaces to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure within Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Initial efforts are focused on the open space adjacent to 990 Avenida Vista Hermosa, utilizing a multi-year management strategy that includes goat grazing for dense brush clearance, manual thinning by hand crews, strategic mechanical vegetation removal, and the restoration of native vegetation. Additionally, the project involves the control and removal of invasive species such as cottonwood and various cypress trees to enhance overall ecosystem health. This project is classified under NAICS code 561730 and is managed by Adam Atamian, the Community Development Director. It is supported by fire hazard maps in the Centennial General Plan's Safety Element and has been deemed categorically and statutorily exempt from CEQA review under State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301(h), 15304, 15307, and 15308. The project is currently listed as a forecast with a posted date of September 15, 2026, and is located within San Clemente, California.