Pine Mountain Lake Fuel Reduction Project

The PMLFR Project is composed of two contiguous areas: Pine Mountain Lake 1 (PML 1) and Pine Mountain Lake 2 (PML 2). PML 1 is a 640 acre area just east of the PMLA. The first two phases described below have been completed in this area. This work was completed under SCH #2024010405. PML 2 is comprised of two different locations. The first is a 156 acre area east of PML 1 and the second is an approximately 22-acre area within the PML 1 boundary. It is funded under CAL FIRE Grant 5GG23222. No work has been done in PML 2. A variety of methods will be utilized to reduce fuel loading and remove ladder fuels on this highly dense, approximately 820 acre WUI area east of Pine Mountain Lake. Phase I: Initial Fuels Reduction Manual or mechanical tree felling of dead/hazard trees with a felling crew with chain saw or tracked style feller buncher to establish a safe work environment. Brush, ladder fuels and suppressed trees less than 12” DBH will be targeted for removal with a goal of retaining diverse species and stand structure. Ideal spacing in the treated landscape will be variable and dependent on vegetation density. Generally, 10-40 foot crown spacing. The primary treatment method for this will be mastication using tracked style excavators or skid-steers. Phase II: Slash Treatment Slash treatment (if required) will be done with a tracked or rubber-tired masticator. In areas where machinery is unable to access or is excluded from, slash disposal will be done by hand and piled for burning or lopped and scattered. Phase III: Maintenance A targeted herbicide hand application may be conducted 1-2 growing seasons after Phase 1 activities have been completed in an area. • Herbivory may be used to browse the resprouting vegetation. If herbivory is used it is anticipated that: • Locally sourced goats will be used for the grazing treatment. • There will be approximately 50 head of goats when executing the herbivory treatment. • Exclusion fencing will be installed to protect riparian and sensitive botanical resources. The fencing will be removed immediately following herbivory activities. • Herbivory activities can occur anytime of the year. Prescribed burning may also be utilized.