Fire Fuel Protection Project Contract 3

The Fire Fuel Protection Project Contract 3 is a forecast initiative by Caltrans District 6 to enhance wildfire resilience and maintain highway operations during emergencies. The project focuses on creating defensible space along the State Highway System within Kern, Tulare, and Fresno counties by strategically removing and reducing vegetative material. Work is restricted to the Caltrans Right of Way and includes the removal of invasive species, dead or diseased vegetation, and specific native trees based on diameter thresholds. All pruning and removal activities must adhere to ANSI A-300 Standards and comply with California and Federal Endangered Species Act restrictions. Key performance requirements include the establishment of undergrowth fuel breaks as determined by a registered professional forester and the offsite transport of all removed invasive materials. To ensure environmental compliance, vegetation removal is scheduled between February 1st and September 30th to avoid bird breeding seasons, while Pacific fisher den tree removal is prohibited from July 1st to February 28th. Additionally, the contractor must implement dust control measures per Caltrans Construction Standard Specification 14-11.04 and incorporate NOA and ADL safety protocols into their Health and Safety Plan. The project covers specific post-mile segments of State Routes 5, 178, 190, 198, 168, and 180.