Plumas Disadvantaged Communities- Chester

The Plumas Disadvantaged Communities-Chester project, managed by the Feather River Resource Conservation District, involves hazardous fuel reduction activities across 60.5 acres within and surrounding the communities of Chester and Lake Almanor in Plumas County, California. The primary objective is to reduce the horizontal and vertical continuity of upland conifer and brush species to mitigate wildfire risk. The scope of work includes the mastication of conifers up to 12 inches DBH and surface fuels, with a requirement to treat approximately 80 percent of surface fuels. Specific performance standards require surface fuel removal within 5 feet of overstory conifer driplines and the maintenance of at least 10 feet of separation between surface fuels and the bottom of the live crown of adjacent conifers. Additionally, conifer snags exceeding 12 inches DBH must be grapple piled for burning, and post-treatment woody residue must not exceed six inches in depth or be piled against residual vegetation. The project is categorized under a Notice of Exemption for minor land alterations and is subject to specific environmental and regulatory compliance measures. Contractors must adhere to Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Rule 226 regarding dust control and ensure compliance with District and CARB permits before starting operations. Environmental protections include mandatory focused nesting surveys for tree removal conducted between March 1 and August 15 annually, as well as adherence to established protocols for the protection of sensitive plant and wildlife species identified during scoping. Administrative oversight is provided by District Manager Michael Hall.