SCH Number 2019120353

Project Info

Title

Auburn Shaded Fuel Break - Northern Extension (revised acreage)

Description

Placer RCD is working with state, local and federal partners to install a shaded fuel break along the rim of the North Fork American River canyon to protect the city of Auburn from catastrophic wildfire. The goal of the project is to reduce dense understory and ladder fuels to create canopy separation. This has the intent of modifying fire behavior to reduce fire severity in the event of a wildfire. Treatments will include handwork to remove fuels under 10 inches in DBH. Vegetation will be chipped and broadcast in areas accessible with a tracked chipper, and hand piled for burning in steep areas/areas with heavy broom. Grazing and herbicide may also be used to reduce fuels in the project area. The project area consists of approximately 24 acres of private land. A wildfire coming out of the American River canyon would pose a serious threat to life, property, and biological resources in the area. A shaded fuel break will reduce the threat to the City of Auburn by creating safer ingress/egress routes for evacuees and fire personnel and allowing for safer firefighting through modification of wildfire behavior. Mastication may also be used on approximately 10 acres of the project area. Use of mastication will be dependent on sloe, access, and environmental factors. Mastication will not be used in areas where cultural resources or sensitive species have been identified.

2 documents in project