PLA-80 Gold Run Damaged Tree Removal (EA 03-2N790)

The California Department of Transportation, District 3 – Marysville/Sacramento, is preparing to execute a tree removal project along Interstate 80 in Placer County, specifically between post miles 41.27 and 49.14, to address storm-damaged and fallen trees. The work encompasses the removal of vegetation, stump grinding, disposal of debris, implementation of temporary traffic control measures, and incidental tasks necessary to restore right-of-way access and reduce wildfire hazards, with all activity confined to existing pullouts and no new access routes required. The project is categorically exempt from full environmental review under both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Class 1(d)) and the National Environmental Policy Act (23 CFR 771.117(c)(1) and (d)(1)), supported by statutory authority from 23 USC 326 and 327 and a 2022 FHWA-Caltrans Memorandum of Understanding. Coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office and relevant tribal entities is required, though no adverse impacts on historic resources are anticipated and no additional permits are needed. The contract is currently in a forecast stage with no estimated value, pricing data, or formal contract type specified, and no definitive performance timeline or delivery schedule has been established. While no formal Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses, evaluation factors, or contracting officer details are documented, primary project contacts include Jason Ammerman as the Environmental Scientist, Ethan Hyde as Project Manager, and Joshua Faughn as Senior Environmental Planner, with all environmental determinations certified internally by Caltrans. Submission of project documentation, including a certified exemption finding and Notice of Exemption, is required through Caltrans District 3 or the Office of Planning and Research in Sacramento, with no electronic submission method indicated, pointing to a paper-based process. The project is being administered entirely by Caltrans personnel, with no identified Contracting Officer’s Representative or contractor representations, certifications, or socioeconomic designations included in the materials.