South Bohemian Highway Community Wildfire Resilience Project

The South Bohemian Highway Community Wildfire Resilience Project, managed by the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, focuses on reducing hazardous forestland fuels and improving resilience to disease and wildfire across approximately 64 acres of forestland. Located two miles south of downtown Occidental in Sonoma County, the project spans eight properties east of Bohemian Highway. The scope of work involves removing trees with a diameter at breast height between 1 and 14 inches to optimize the growth of residual trees, limbing residual trees, and reducing the height of woody understory vegetation to mitigate wildfire ladder fuel loads. All resulting woody material will be managed through piling and burning. Execution of the project will be performed by hand crews using hand tools and chainsaws, ensuring that mature trees are retained and sensitive resources are protected. The project is classified under NAICS code 113310 and is exempt under CEQA Section 15304 as a minor alteration to land, meeting the definition of forestry under PRC 753. Work is anticipated to take place from Summer 2026 through Spring 2027, with specific performance dates noted between June 2026 and April 2027. Adriana Stagnaro serves as the Forestry Project Manager and primary point of contact for the initiative.