Oak Ridge Prescribed Burns

The Oak Ridge Prescribed Burns project, identified by SCH # 2025090837, is a planned initiative by the California Department of Parks and Recreation to conduct prescribed burns within a mosaic of grasslands and oak trees at the Sonoma Developmental Center Open Space. Located east of Arnold Drive near the Sonoma Valley Regional Park boundary, the project aims to reduce wildfire risk, restore the historic role of fire, improve biodiversity, and support long-term land stewardship. Operations will focus on areas where vegetation was impacted by the 2017 wildfires, utilizing existing fire roads, trails, and non-system routes as boundaries. To protect resources, infrastructure, and utilities, fire lines will be dug as necessary, though the project is designed to ensure no new ground disturbance and minimal impact to existing vegetation and viewsheds. As of September 2025, the project's Notice of Exemption has been officially withdrawn. A withdrawal request was issued by the California Department of Parks and Recreation due to an error in the description of the work area, with the intent to correct and reupload the notice. The project is managed by the Bay Area District, with Caitlin Powers serving as the Environmental Coordinator and primary point of contact. While the initial notice was based on categorical exemptions for minor alterations and negligible expansion of use, the current status remains withdrawn pending the submission of corrected documentation.