Petersburg Fuels Reduction

20241031 PetersburgFuelsReductionProjectDecisionMemoSigned

BACKGROUND

Describes the 253-acre project area near Cecilville, 95 percent wildland urban interface, with overstocked stands and encroachment on meadow and oak woodland habitat, and states the purpose and need.2

DECISION

Approves the project under 36 C.F.R. 220.6(e)(6) because there is no herbicide use and under one mile of low standard road, and finds no extraordinary circumstances for listed species, wild and scenic river, or cultural sites.2

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Lists the project proposal in July 2023, scoping letters sent September 30, 2023 to tribes, landowners, the county and agencies, and five response letters received.2

FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Finds consistency with the 1995 Klamath Forest Plan and covers the Clean Air Act (Siskiyou County in attainment) and Clean Water Act (Salmon River 303(d) listed for temperature, best management practices required).2

Petersburg Fuels Reduction Reviewer Scoping Letter

Dear reviewer

Announces the planned 253-acre project in the Garden Gulch-South Fork Salmon River watersheds, the proposed thinning and fuel reduction, and the 36 C.F.R. 220.6(e)(6) exclusion.3

Comment instructions

Asks for written comments by 10/3/2023 by email, online application or mail to the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District in Fort Jones.3

Petersburg Fuels Reduction Scoping Proposal

BACKGROUND

Describes 253 acres of mixed conifer, oak woodland, shrubs and meadow, and says the work uses no herbicides and under one mile of low standard road.4

PURPOSE AND NEED

Says about 60 percent of the area burned severely in the last decade and 40 percent has not burned in decades, and tabulates Forest Plan management areas.4

PROPOSED ACTION

Lists treatments: 204 acres of thinning, piling and burning, 119 acres of potential mechanical treatment, 49 acres of prescribed burning; hand work on slopes over 35 percent.4