Oken Property Vegetation Maintenance

The Oken Property Vegetation Maintenance project, managed by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, focuses on improving storm flow passage and supporting habitat restoration along Coleman Creek in Rohnert Park, California. The scope of work involves selective vegetation management at two specific sites: a 100-foot section of the stream channel where native willow will be thinned and invasive Himalayan blackberry will be removed, and a nearby culvert area where blackberry encroachment threatens water flow. To achieve a tunnel effect for storm flow, contractors will utilize selective thinning techniques, including limbing up mature trees and removing dead vegetation debris, while ensuring the existing shade canopy is maintained. The project is classified as a forecast under NAICS code 561730 and is exempt from environmental review under California Code of Regulations Section 15304 for minor alterations to land. Key performance requirements include the use of best management practices to prevent soil disturbance and the strict prohibition of removing healthy mature trees or expanding existing land use. Performance is located within the G Section of Rohnert Park, specifically affecting parcels 045-171-037 and 045-171-026. The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District serves as the approving agency and is responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of the work based on adherence to CEQA Class 4 Exemption standards.