North Bay Forest Improvement Program - Rancho Otranto

The North Bay Forest Improvement Program - Rancho Otranto is a forestry project managed by the Napa County Resource Conservation District and located in St. Helena, California. The scope of work covers 20 acres of conifer mixed hardwood forest, featuring species such as California bay laurel, manzanita, oaks, and resprouting shrubs. Primary activities include cutting small trees with diameters between 4 and 8 inches, pruning branches up to 8 feet off the ground, and treating the resulting woody materials through mastication and chipping. The project is designated as a special notice under NAICS code 113310 and is exempt under CEQA Section 15304 for Minor Alteration to Land. To ensure minimal environmental impact, all work must be reviewed and approved by a Registered Professional Forester and adhere to the definition of forestry in PRC Section 753. The project strictly prohibits the removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees and must not result in a substantial alteration of the land's current function. Danielle Ashton serves as the Project Manager for the lead agency, with Amy Garden identified as the landowner.