Rumsey Buffer - Fuels Management and Pile Burning

The Rumsey Buffer - Fuels Management and Pile Burning project is a state-level environmental initiative led by the Yolo County Resource Conservation District to reduce hazardous vegetation on approximately 12 acres of oak woodland along Rumsey Canyon Road in Yolo County, California. The primary goal is to create a fire break north of the community of Rumsey by mechanically thinning dead and downed fuels using chainsaws and conducting controlled pile burns, strictly adhering to limitations that retain all healthy live trees—particularly those exceeding six inches in diameter at breast height. Work is scheduled to avoid periods of high fire risk, including hot weather and high winds, and is designed to complement previous efforts under the Rumsey Buffer Project. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) serves as the implementing entity, while the Yolo County Resource Conservation District coordinates all aspects of environmental compliance, oversight, and reporting. All pile burning activities require and will be conducted under an air quality burn permit issued by the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District. Environmental compliance is central to the project’s execution, with pre-treatment biological surveys conducted by qualified biologists at least one week prior to any activity to ensure no impacts to species of concern. Due to the potential overlap with the nesting bird season from February 1 to September 15, additional surveys for nesting birds are required within one week of operation; if nests are found, work is immediately adjusted or halted to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The project qualifies under CEQA Class 4 Categorical Exemption (§15304) for minor alterations to land, and all activities are structured to minimize ecological disruption while enhancing ecosystem resilience. No federal acquisition regulations apply, as this is not a federal contract but a state and locally coordinated environmental mitigation effort documented through physical filings, including a Notice of Exemption, a $50 environmental fee receipt, and supporting materials totaling approximately four pages. Payments and administrative functions are handled at the county level, with no federal contracting mechanisms, appropriation codes, invoicing systems, or contractor evaluations formally established.