Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Find that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15308 (Class 8);
b. Ratify the submittal of a grant by the Resource Management Agency to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s California Climate Investments (CCI) Fire Prevention Grant Program in the amount of $116,789 for reducing fuel load to manage wildfire risk at Jacks Peak County Park; and
c. Authorize the Director of the Resource Management Agency to execute an Agreement accepting the grant award.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution to:
a. Find that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15308 (Class 8);
b. Ratify the submittal of a grant by the Resource Management Agency to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s California Climate Investments (CCI) Fire Prevention Grant Program in the amount of $116,789 for reducing fuel load to manage wildfire risk at Jacks Peak County Park; and
c. Authorize the Director of the Resource Management Agency to execute an Agreement accepting the grant award.
SUMMARY:
To address the potential for a devastating wildfire at Jacks Peak County Park, the Resource Management Agency (RMA-Parks) applied for a grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Climate Investments (CCI) - Forest Health Grant Program in March of 2017; however, the project was not recommended to receive funds. Staff continued efforts to address the risk of fire at Jacks Peak and met with CAL FIRE representatives to receive feedback on the proposed project, reapplied in June of 2018 and was selected to receive funds in the amount of $116,789 for the proposed project.
The CAL FIRE’s CCI - Fire Prevention Grant Program will help to reduce fuel load to manage wildfire risk at Jacks Peak County Park. The project consists of a State award in the amount of $116,789 with a County in-kind match for administrative staff costs in the amount of $26,100, for a total project cost of $142,889. As a part of the requirement of the grant program, an Agreement must be executed by November 30, 2018. The project will be administered by the RMA, with a project completion date of March 15, 2022.
DISCUSSION:
Jacks Peak is an 892-acre county park, which is at high risk for a devastating wildfire due to its location, vegetation type (Monterey Pines) with a buildup of dry brush and understory, including pine pitch which can be highly flammable. This forested area’s proximity to adjacent communities enhances the likelihood of visitor-initiated fires, posing risk to the health and safety of nearly 90,000 people, and property. Funds received through this grant would help with removing fuels in the form of dead and dying trees, downed vegetation, and ladder fuel vegetation in a three (3)-tiered buffer or clearing approach around existing Park roads, buildings and maintenance facilities at 100ft, 200ft, and 300ft distances respectively. The total proposed treatment area totals about 171 acres.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This application was facilitated by the County Administrative Office -Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs, under the Strategic Grant Services Program. RMA consults with the Office of the County Counsel on Park and land use related matters.
FINANCING:
There is no required financial match for the CAL FIRE’s CCI - Fire Prevention Grant Program. Staff costs for the administration of the grant will be provided as an in-kind match in the amount of $26,100.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Jacks Peak County Park is identified as at high risk for a devastating wildfire due to its location, vegetation type and buildup of dry brush and understory. This forested area’s proximity to adjacent communities enhances the likelihood of visitor-initiated fires, posing risk to the health and safety of nearly 90,000 people, and property. Implementation of the CAL FIRE’s CCI - Fire Prevention Grant Program will help to reduce the potential for a catastrophic wildfire.
The recommended action supports the following Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives:
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
__ Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: John Akeman, Parks Planning Manager, (831) 755-4911
Approved by: Neville Pereira, Chief of Building Services/ Interim RMA Deputy Director of Public Works, Parks, and Facilities
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachment(s):
A - Resolution
B - Grant Agreement with CALFIRE and Application with Supporting Material
C - Award Letter, CAL FIRE’s CCI - Fire Prevention Grant Program
(Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board)