Knights Ferry Elementary Fuel Reduction

The specific project area is located on approximately six acres surrounding the Knights Ferry Elementary School parking lot. Three acres are located between Sonora Road and Dent Street and three acres are located between Grant Road and Lynde Street. The project will consist of removing surface and ladder fuels, creating an open and "park like" condition. The health and vigor of the residual plants and trees will be improved by removing suppressed trees and brush. The project is designed to protect Knights Ferry and particularly the elementary school from wildfire. Reducing hazardous fuels will improve ingress and egress for responding emergency fire equipment, as well as facilitate any required evacuations. Hazardous fuels reduction work will be limited to workers using hand tools. A portable chipper will remain on the paved road surface where brush and small trees (under 10-lnches DBH) will be processed with chips being blown back onto the easement, where they will serve as erosion control. Tree stems from fallen trees greater than 14" DBH will be cut into firewood lengths and left for local residents. Green trees greater than 10-lnches in diameter will have limbs pruned up to a height of 12 feet above the ground. No piling and/or burning will occur on this project. Overall, vegetation is dominated by valley oak, black oak, and willow trees. Understory vegetation is dominated by California wild blackberry. The total area designated for treatment under this project is 6.52 acres. The end result will make Knights Ferry Elementary School more resilient regarding wildfires.