North Bay Forest Improvement Program - McCray Ridge

The North Bay Forest Improvement Program - McCray Ridge project, solicitation number 25-1210-04, is a forestry treatment initiative managed by the Sonoma Resource Conservation District. Located at 19350 McCray Ridge Road in Guerneville, CA, the project aims to reduce wildfire risk by increasing spacing between trees and removing ladder fuels. The scope of work involves using heavy equipment, specifically a masticator, to target small regenerating trees, basal sprouts, shrubs, pole-sized saplings, brush, and downed woody material. The treatment is designed to be non-destructive to the existing forest structure, as it will not involve the removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees within the diverse vegetation of chaparral, mixed conifer, and hardwood forests. Strict environmental protections and operational limitations are mandated to protect local watercourses and endangered species. Contractors must maintain no-operation buffers unless cleared by a qualified Registered Professional Forester or biologist to ensure the absence of species listed under the Federal or State Endangered Species Act. For side slopes under 50%, the required buffers are 75 feet for Class I watercourses and 50 feet for Class II watercourses. If side slopes exceed 50%, an additional 25-foot buffer must be applied to these distances. The project has been reviewed by a Registered Professional Forester and is exempt from certain environmental fees under a categorical exemption for minor alterations to land.