Surprise Valley Wildlife Area Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is implementing the Surprise Valley Wildlife Area Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project located near Eagleville in Modoc County, California. This project focuses on reducing hazardous fuels across a 460-acre area to support wildfire resilience and forest management goals. The scope of work includes the removal of juniper trees and dead or decadent brush, as well as the reduction of light fuels such as grasses, forbs, rabbit brush, and juniper seedlings. Authorized methods for fuel reduction include the use of hand tools like chainsaws and loppers, mechanical equipment such as masticators and chippers, prescribed or cultural fire, pile burning, herbicide, and prescribed herbivory. The project is governed by CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 and 15308, ensuring that activities do not involve the removal of healthy mature trees, cause environmental degradation, or impact rare, endangered, or threatened species. No construction activities are permitted, and the project is designed to prevent significant erosion or sedimentation of surface waters.