Tree Stand Thinning for an Alternative Evacuation Route - Encina Drive

This fuels reduction project is part of a series of vegetation reduction projects throughout the west Winters area. The goal of this project is to provide an alternative evacuation route for the community of the Golden Bear Estates. The project consists of mechanical handwork (chainsaws and loppers) and chipping along Encina Drive and on an area of private property. The tree grove primarily consists of eucalyptus and non-native, dying pine trees. In subsequent years, maintenance at the site may occur. The project footprint is 650 feet long by 20 feet wide (0.3 acres) along Encina Drive and a dirt road on private property. Overgrown vegetation can burn and fall into the road limiting access or evacuation in the event of a wildfire. Reducing fuels in project footprint will provide an alternative evacuation route for the Golden Bear Estates. Thinning and fuels reduction will be performed by CAL FIRE and/or a licensed contractor with biological and botanical monitoring conducted by Yolo County Resource Conservation District. Felling of trees will be limited to trees smaller than six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). Stumps will remain in the ground to minimize soil disturbance. The project entails mechanical thinning of roadside vegetation of non-native highly flammable vegetation. Mechanical treatments can benefit ecosystems by reducing the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires, maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems, and protecting human communities. Work may occur during nesting bird season. If work commences during nesting bird season (February 1st to September 15th) the project area will be surveyed for nesting birds by a qualified biologist no more than one week before operations. If nesting birds are located, the RCD will develop measures that avoid impacts and are consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.