USFS Mendocino National Forest Ground Operations

The USFS Mendocino National Forest Ground Operations project is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The scope of work focuses on the maintenance of 95 miles of motorized trails and level two roads within the Upper Lake and Grindstone Ranger Districts of the Mendocino National Forest, spanning Colusa, Glenn, and Lake counties. Key activities include erosion control, trash removal, dust and weed abatement, hazardous tree removal, and general facility maintenance. Additionally, the project encompasses the installation and replacement of barriers, fencing, and signs, as well as monitoring, public outreach, and the purchase of necessary equipment. This project is classified as a special notice and is exempt under CEQA Categorical Exemption 15301 for Existing Facilities, as the activities are not expected to cause significant environmental impact. There is no proposed expansion of existing facility operations or maintenance activities. Administrative oversight is provided by Senior Environmental Scientist Scott Soares, and the project was formally documented in a Notice of Exemption dated December 29, 2025.