P52 Fuel Break

P52 Fuel Break CE-DM Final Signed12132023

Project Information

Lists the District Ranger as responsible official, Umatilla County, anticipated June 2024 implementation, and management areas and five watersheds covered.2

Applicable Categories

Relies on the 2021 infrastructure law category allowing fuel breaks up to 3,000 acres and 1,000 feet wide next to existing roads.2

Purpose and Need: Why do we need to act?

Aims to create a defensible shaded fuel break near Ukiah and the Pearson residences that serves as a suppression engagement area.2

Proposed Action: What are we proposing to do?

Covers pile and jackpot burning, hazard tree removal on 25 acres, hand and mechanical thinning and mastication on 1,400 acres; no commercial treatment, no trees over 21 inches removed.2

Design Criteria

Sets archaeology buffers of 100 feet for sites, plus vegetation retention rules and weed prevention such as cleaning equipment and certified weed-free mulch.2

P52 Fuel Break Proposed Action

Background

Describes lodgepole and mixed conifer stands hit by spruce budworm and the 1996 Tower fire, and ties the fuel break to the Umatilla County CWPP.3

Purpose and Need

Cites past fires since 1996 and cross-boundary fire spread as reasons for a buffer between private and public lands.3

Proposed Action

Details treatments over about 1,392.16 acres, including burning in spring, fall and winter, hazard tree removal on 25 acres, and mastication.3

Implementation Date

Initial activities could begin October 15, 2023 and run through November 30, 2025.3