El Dorado Canal Fuel Break

Decision Memo

Background

Explains EID's water supply, the 2021 Caldor Fire loss of over 1,000 feet of flumes, and the 225-acre fuel break plan along the canal.2

Project Location

Places the area in the Riverton quadrangle, upslope of Highway 50, extending about 3 miles west of the Caldor burn scar, 3.5 miles from Pollock Pines.2

Purpose and Need for Action

Lists goals of reducing wildfire risk to federal land, Pollock Pines, Highway 50 and water infrastructure, and improving aerial visibility of the canal flumes.2

Decision

Approves felling, understory thinning, mastication, chipping, piling and pile burning, with design criteria in Appendix B to protect resources.2

Project Actions

Describes treatments starting west of the Caldor burn scar and ending next to a Sierra Pacific Industries fuel break, prioritizing areas near wooden flumes.2

El Dorado Canal Fuel Break Proposed Action

Introduction

Describes the proposal for a 225-acre shaded fuel break and says it will likely be categorically excluded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.3

Purpose & Need

Covers Highway 50 ignition history, the Pilliken, Cleveland and Caldor fires, the $25 million flume replacement, and Pollock Pines' risk status.3

Proposed Action

Specifies hand thinning, mastication and chipping within a 600-foot corridor, trees up to 18 inches dbh removed, and canopy cover kept at 50-60%.3

Design Criteria

Sets wildlife protections, starting with limited operating period surveys for California spotted owl protected activity centers, plus Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment standards.3