“We tried to create a system where all the permits are laid out side-by-side, and put in a decision tree framework to help make it easier,” said Yana Valachovic, UC Cooperative Extension forest advisor for Humboldt and Del Norte counties and registered professional forester.
Valachovic produced this document with co-authors Jared Gerstein and Brita Goldstein, also registered professional foresters.
What harvest situations qualify for a Cal Fire exemption? When is a Nonindustrial Timber Management Plan a good option? What type of financial assistance would be best for post-wildfire restoration? Responses to all these common questions and more can be found in this publication.
“Planning and Permitting Forest Fuel-Reduction Projects on Private Lands in California” is a UC ANR peer-reviewed guide to the planning needs and considerations for fuel reduction and removal treatments on private lands in California, from commercial harvests to small-tree removal and burning. This document breaks down the technical limitations and requirements of permitting, exemption options, and potential funding options. Most importantly, this guide describes the broad options in clear language with practical tips for landowners and tradeoffs of various options. Relevant to any private landowner in the state or anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of how to accomplish fuel reduction and removal projects.
Read the UC ANR press release about this document here.
Highlights of Publication
Check these pages out for quick reference documents to aid in nvavigating the treatment planning, permitting, and funding process.
PAGE 4: Commercial Harvest Permits and Exemptions
A flowchart of most commonly used Cal Fire permits for fuel reduction (Exemptions or Emergency Notices) showing how to select a permit based on specific objectives and needs of your property. These permit options are intended for landowners to have options to conduct commercial harvests without submitting an entire Timber Harvest Plan or Nonindustrial Timber Management Plan.
PAGE 7-8: Limitations and Requirements for Permits
Detailed breakdown of Cal Fire permit options (Exemptions or Emergency Notices) for fuel reduction and the limitations and allowances of each permit type. These exemptions eliminate the need for landowners to complete an entire Timber Harvest Plan or Nonindustrial Timber Management Plan and offer a streamlined environmental review process, at the sacrifice of lower operational flexibility.
PAGE 12: Grants and Financial Assistance Available
Graphic breakdown of grants and financial assistance available for fuel-reduction projects on private lands focused on non-merchantable trees. The image displays options available to different types of landowners for funding removal of smaller trees, brush, or noncommercial species.
