Department of Water Resources Prop 1 Round 2 Project 3 Post-Fire Headwaters Restoration -- Big Dry Creek and Jose Creek Watersheds of the upper San Joaquin Rive

The Sierra Resource Conservation District is implementing a comprehensive post-fire watershed restoration project in the Big Dry Creek and Jose Creek watersheds of the upper San Joaquin River in Fresno County, California, with the primary goal of reducing wildfire risk to communities and enhancing ecological resilience. Activities include fuel reduction through hand cutting, chipping, and machine work to remove dead and hazardous vegetation around structures in the Auberry area, expanding defensible space in high-hazard zones while strictly excluding commercial timber operations as defined by state law. The project encompasses prescribed burning methods including pile and broadcast burning, cultural burning conducted with awareness of traditional ecological knowledge, and reforestation using native species to restore degraded areas. Stream restoration efforts focus on rehabilitating riparian habitats, stabilizing streambeds, improving water quality, and supporting native aquatic and terrestrial species. All work is designed to adhere to CEQA categorical exemptions under Sections 15304 and 15333, ensuring no significant environmental impact and eliminating the need for a full environmental impact report. The project is funded through the Department of Water Resources Proposition 1 Round 2 initiative and is administered solely by the Sierra Resource Conservation District, acting as the lead agency. The project is situated across designated land sections within the Auberry area with a defined place of performance in Fresno County, and all activities are subject to inspection and acceptance at the project site based on compliance with CEQA exemption criteria rather than federal procurement standards. No formal FAR clauses, contract types, pricing data, or federal accounting codes are included in the documentation, indicating this is a state-funded, environmentally exempted initiative under California law rather than a typical federal contract. The submission deadline was October 28, 2025, with the certification of exemption filed and signed by the District Manager on that date. The sole point of contact is Kelly Kucharski, District Manager, reachable via phone and email, with no designated COR, COTR, PCO, or payment office details provided. No specific period of performance, invoicing method, or delivery schedule is outlined, and all documentation supports state-level environmental compliance rather than federal acquisition compliance, including the absence of socioeconomic certifications, UEI or CAGE codes, or electronic submission requirements, with physical submission of the certified exemption document being the only formal requirement.