FRE 180 Landscape Mitigation

The FRE 180 Landscape Mitigation project, managed by Caltrans District 6 in Fresno and Bakersfield, is designed to fulfill visual and biological mitigation requirements for the State Route 180 Two-Way Left-Turn Lane project. Located in Fresno County on State Route 180 from postmile 91.48 to 92.46, the scope of work involves planting 57 native oaks and 60 additional trees within the riparian areas of the Mill Creek Watershed. Specifically, 25 of the native oaks must be Blue Oaks to satisfy the requirements of the 1600 permit. All activities will be conducted within the Caltrans right-of-way. Technical requirements include an excavation depth of up to 2 feet for each tree and the design and implementation of a temporary irrigation system by the contractor to ensure tree survival. The project is classified under NAICS code 561730 and is considered exempt under Class 4(b) categorical exemption due to the minor nature of the vegetation alterations. Primary points of contact for the project include Associate Environmental Planner Chelsea Starr and Environmental Office Chief Javier Almaguer.