Mariposa Creek Traditional Ecological Restoration Project

Mariposa Creek Traditional Ecological Restoration Project

The project proposes sitework, including culturally appropriate prescribed fire and adaptive management strategies for invasive species removal, and revegetation with native plant species at a location with strategic value for active transportation and recreation. This includes the portions of APNs 012-143-0040; 012-143-0010; 013-130-0770; 013-130-0780; 013-130-0060 that are adjacent to Mariposa Creek. The parcels are located in the General Plan land use classification of the Mariposa Town Planning Study Area, and feature a range of zoning designations, including General Commercial, Mountain Home Zone, and Scenic Resources Zone. All parcels are property of Mariposa County. This project entails landscape maintenance and native species revegetation. It is structured to ensure minimal risk of wildland fire conflagration. Preliminary site work will include cutting lines around existing infrastructure and canopy trees to limit the likelihood of unintended ignitions. Burning operations will be timed to occur in the winter, when high-moisture conditions are conducive to low-intensity prescribed fire, and specific weather patterns (including wind speed/direction, temperature, and humidity) will be closely monitored before determining a specific day to conduct burning activities. Professional fire personnel, including the Mariposa County and Tuolumne Rancheria Fire Departments, as well as CALFIRE, will be on-site to coordinate both site preparation and prescribed burning activities, and to respond rapidly to potentially hazardous fire conditions. A smoke management permit from the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District has been prepared and submitted for this project. The project applies an adaptive management approach to invasive species removal, meaning that chemical treatments may be considered in addition to prescribed fire. If chemical treatments are recommended, herbicides will be administered by and under the direction of individuals holding a qualified applicator's license from the California Department of Pesticide Regulations, and will be applied using targeted methods, such as "cut stump" or "cut and swab." Any chemical herbicides will be applied in accordance with the applicable instructions and best practices for the herbicide in question. Revegetation activities will emphasize native, drought- and fire-resistant species adapted for the site's specific riparian conditions and requiring minimal supplemental water and no artificial fertilizers. Revegetation areas will be monitored and adequately maintained to ensure establishment.

Mariposa

Mariposa

Unincorporated